Dominion of Mirpak - MAJOR POWER

Of incredible size and having stood the test of time longer than most, the Dominion dominates much of the galaxy’s north and northeast. Led by the Kydoi, the Dominion is a multicultural empire encompassing several smaller nations under a federated state.

Military: The Dominion’s military is colossal. Wielding one the largest supercapital fleets and supporting enough ships to effectively contend with any of the superpowers, the Dominion Navy, despite its recent troubles, is still a force to be reckoned with. The Dominion’s army, while not as prestigious nor large as the naval arm, is still decently equipped. Mirpak makes use out of its species’ different biological nuances to wage warfare against its enemies, routinely employing psionic weapons and other such unconventional tactics. In addition, many Dominion worlds possess strong defenses in the form of starbases and planetary shielding. However, their recent rocky performance has put a notable dent in their reputation. The Dominion will need a change of policy, doctrine or leadership in order to continue to compete with the other two heavyweights. I put the Dominion at a very strong 8.5/10.

Economy: The Dominion economy operates on free trade. Being relatively near to the galactic core and in the path of much oncoming galactic traffic, the Dominion profits massively from inter- and intranational trade. This, in addition to their size, makes their economy relatively strong, even for their size. Despite this, the Dominion lacks many major commercial agreements with other nations. The Dominion gets a 7.5/10 for economy.

Influence: Much of the Dominion’s influence is thanks to its military, raw size, and location in the galaxy. Their general lack of participation in macro galactic politics leaves them with unrecognized potential in this category. They get a 4.5/10.

New Animalian Republic - MAJOR POWER

The New Animalian Republic, usually abbreviated simply as the NAR, is one of - if not the - oldest standing nation in the modern galaxy. Although having endured significant turmoil during the past few centuries, the NAR has continued to endure the test of time, and has emerged as a significant player in the realm of galactic politics. The Animalian Republic, in stark contrast to its name, is a human-dominated nation, with a very significant fraction of the population being posthuman or hybridized humanoids.

Military: Although having fallen by the wayside in recent years during the galaxy’s widespread military buildup, the Republic’s armed forces are still not to be underestimated. Wielding a decent supercapital fleet, sizable Navy and Army, and having gained enough experience through centuries of war, the NAR’s military is more than capable of protecting the nation and its myriad of vassal-states. That being said, the NAR’s military has done very little in the way of power-projection, and the presence of the Dominion to their south makes their somewhat lethargic military struggle to remain competitive in regional security. The Animalian Republic could seriously benefit from a proper military reform program, allowing it to regain its position over time. 6.5/10.

Economy: As one of the oldest and most widely-known nations in the galaxy, the NAR has long been a stable harbor for galactic trade and commerce. Their relatively lax economic restrictions and stable economic base have continued to make them a prime candidate for trade. Many routes specifically detour from the mid-rim to pass through the NAR, and the independent economies of their protectorates have allowed the NAR to secure regional economic dominance in multiple sectors. 8.0/10

Influence: Animalia is a member of the ISF, and maintains a defensive arrangement with multiple protectorate-states. Although extremely hesitant towards the idea of involving itself in international disputes and struggles, the NAR retains a significant diplomatic presence, particularly acting as the strongest and loudest liberal voice in galactic politics - in particular, their contributions to civil-rights for Synthetics and Artificial-Intelligence. 7.0/10.

Breen Confederacy - MAJOR POWER

The Breen Confederacy is an emerging major power centered in the southern Core. Although notably the weakest of this tier, they have managed to stifle the spheres of influence of every other significant power during the Race for the Core. Their ability to punch above their weight thanks to their proactive, aggressive attitude has earned them a spot among the Majors. The Confederacy is dominated by the Breen, a mysterious humanoid species which are regularly seen wearing refrigeration suits, which obscure their true bodily form - which is unknown to all but very few.

Military: The Breen military falls short of the other major powers, notably in their navy’s size and lack of large warships. But, their aggressive tactics and flexible lower-command makes them masters of widescale power-projection and sector security. This has not only supported their rapid expansion in and around the galactic Core, but has given them more than enough ability to strongarm the Core’s other competitors. Although this has not earned them many allies or favorable contacts, they have managed to carve out a strong niche in the Galaxy’s southern Core. 6.5/10

Economy: An upstart nation, the Confederacy derives a significant portion of its economic power from its spoils in the Galactic Core. Although these are far from long-term gains, and their expansionism is sure to deter future economic partnerships, it has placed them into a strong position for the time being. The Breen will need to make the best of their situation to ensure long-term growth and prosperity, or risk economic stagnation and isolation. 5.5/10

Influence: Most of the Confederacy’s influence comes as a consequence of the ongoing Race for the Core. Having seized a significant amount of territory and subjugated multiple small protectorate states, they have a firm grasp over their large sphere of influence in the Core. However, their warmongering and relentless expansionism has led to a strong degree of diplomatic isolation, with many nations refusing to cooperate with what, in the eyes of the galaxy at large, is an unapologetically imperial nation. This being said, the new leadership of the Confederacy has begun to lean more diplomatic, and this could be seen as a dramatic revolution in Breen foreign policy which promises to further anchor their position and begin developing genuine diplomatic ties. 4.0/10.

VIXXEN International - MAJOR POWER

VIXXEN International is a hypercapitalist corporate state located in the northwestern mid-rim. It is mainly dominated by the Vulpines, a bipedal foxlike species. However, a very large human minority also exists here, enjoying equal rights with their Vulpine counterparts. The same cannot be said for other xeno races, however. Thanks to its longevity and skill in economics, VIXXEN International, even in the face of very recent catastrophe, continues to remain a significant force in galactic politics. Although falling behind the superpowers in most categories, VIXXEN International routinely punches well above its weight thanks to its member corporations and very deep pockets.

Military: The military of VIXXEN International is something of an anomaly, as a large portion of their fighting forces consists of third-party military groups and mercenaries which take on contracts at the demand of VIXXEN International's member corporations. By the end of the Core War, the Vulpine armed forces achieved a scale leaps and bounds above its scale and state before the conflict, wielding a strong military-industrial complex, an advanced and growing navy, a large and experienced army, and still employs mercenaries and paramilitary units in order to pursue interests beyond their borders. This makes VIXXEN International abnormally well-rounded both defensively and offensively. Military Score: 7/10

Economy: The economy of VIXXEN International, even in the face of the devastation caused by the recent conflict, remains very strong. Although the Free Trade Zone is far from the only trade-hub in Garellia, the wealth it grants the nation is indisputable. Economy remains VIXXEN's strongest factor. Economy Score: 9.0/10

Influence: Most of VIXXEN International's influence comes as an extension of their economic policy. This nation is a member of the InterStellar Forum. Strangely, VIXXEN's influence has only grown as a result of the Core War; the nation has a strong hand in the affairs of the Core region in spite of Saharian dominance. 6.5/10.

The Intersystems Collective - REGIONAL POWER

The Intersystems Collective is a democratic nation located directly in the Galactic Core. Its predecessor was the focal point of a massive regional conflict which leaves its current successor in a precarious position. The ISC is led by Eithan Dolos, chairman of DOLOS AEC. Despite being a democracy, many important positions of power are held by Eithan's allies or members of DOLOS AEC which aligned themselves with his rebellion. Despite being under treaty regulations by the victorious Allied nations as well as a mild Saharian occupational force, the nation retains a very high degree of autonomy in regards to its military and diplomacy.

Military: The military of the ISC is a hodgepodge of surviving Orellian Coalition military warships as well as newly-developed designs adapted to fit modern mission profiles. Despite their supercapital fleet being severely diminished between the previous conflict and current treaty stipulations, the nation still retains a handful of supercapital starships. Furthermore, the ISC still has access to several esoteric and dangerous technologies which gives their standing fleet (and potentially those of their allies) a notable boon both strategically and tactically. Military Score: 7/10

Economy: The ISC is still recovering after the immense conflict which saw a large portion of its most productive worlds laid to ruin. Orginally built upon a war economy, the ISC's battered yet recovering economy will take significant investment and development to reach pre-war levels - however, being open to free trade might promise to lift the nation to greater heights than were ever seen under the Coalition. Economy Score: 5.5/10

Influence: The ISC still retains much of its autonomy. Although the nation is still deep in recovery, its influence on the Core and other regions is still felt. The ISC is still somewhat within the Saharian Republic's sphere of influence, but is easily capable of resisting any advances which aren't to their own liking. The Intersystems Collective will need to shed its tattered reputation as warmongers and immoral despots through concentrated effort and action if it is to rebuild its own sphere of influence. 4.5/10.