8. A Cold-War in the Alpha Quadrate
Throughout the Franchise it has been noted several times that there has never been a major conflict within the Federation of Planets since its inception, it was part of the founding principles to settle matters between the numerous species diplomatically. However, since the founding, times have decidedly changed with many intersteller conflicts arising between non-federation members. The latest Dominion War ravaged the Federation for over two years, but the other major powers in the Alpha Quadrate were also greatly affected. The Klingon Empire has suffered mightily due to numerous wars, civil and foreign. The Romulans also took major hits being a part of the alliance against the Dominion, but weren't nearly as damaged in the war. It goes without saying that the aggressors of the war will never be the same, Breen and Cardassian as they recoup their losses. For those not well versed in great-war aftermath politics this all spells a recipe for even worse conflicts in its wake. Taking the implied after-events of Nemesis out of consideration (It's best to forget it ever happened, like most fans have...or tried desperately), this leds to Romulan and Federation jockeying for prime postion. Indeed it could be an all out war of territory between the most powerful remaining former allies.