Cardassian Union

The Cardassian Union was an interstellar governmental power located in the Alpha Quadrant, composed and run primarily by Cardassians.

Federation
The Cardassian Union and the United Federation of Planets made official first contact in the early 23rd century. Relations were strained from the start as the Cardassians attempted to jockey for dominance in any interaction. Relations were further strained in the 2320s when the Cardassians used the first official talks between the Union and the Federation as a pretext for disrupting diplomatic talks between the Federation and Legarans.

The Federation further censured the Cardassian government over its occupation of the planet Bajor. Though ultimately, the Federation chose not to interfere beyond a censure, a decision which was controversial in both Starfleet and Federation society generally.

By 2339, many within Starfleet believed that a war with the Cardassian Union was inevitable, the Union having repeatedly engaged in provocative acts designed to test the Federation's resolve to maintain peace. Furthermore, worsening conditions on Bajor had created a refugee crisis, with hundreds of Bajorans escaping Cardassian territory per year and seeking asylum within the Federation. These asylum seekers further exacerbated tensions between the Union and Federation, forcing the Federation to navigate a delicate balance between protecting sentients' rights and maintaining peace with the Cardassians.