There are a number of political entities in the Gamma Quadrant, but the one which poses the greatest threat to the Federation is the Dominion. It is composed of a number of species, the most important of which are the warrior race of Jem'Hadar. The Jem'Hadar are dominated by beings which they call the Founders, who surreptitiously guide them and have them dependent on a substance which only the Founders can provide. Few, if any, Jem'Hadar have ever seen a Founder. The Founders have proven to be a race of shape-shifters that the Federation calls "Changelings". They have a fanatical hatred of all non-shapeshifting races, whom they call "Solids", and have encouraged their Jem'Hadar minions to attack through the wormhole from the Gamma Quadrant. These attacks have been repulsed for the present, but have provided the occasion for cooperation amongst traditional enemies, such as the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire.

More disturbing is the news that Changelings have infiltrated the governments and militaries of several Alpha and Beta Quadrant races, including the Federation. It is unclear just how far this infiltration has gone, and if the recent Klingon/Cardassian war is any example, it is possible that the whole structure of allegiances could dissolve into paranoia and witch hunts. Of course, the Founders would like nothing better...

CURRENT STATUS: PROBABLE HOSTILE, TREATY IN EFFECT