OK, let's compare your definition of "war" with the one Wikipedia has to offer:

«War is intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, aggression, destruction, and mortality, using regular or irregular military forces.»

Brainwashing seems to work fine, making a "campaign against something undesirable" out of the most horrible bloodshed.