The Cardassians first attracted the wrath of the Empire in a brief conflict in 2366 over disputed territory adjacent to the Bajor Sector, ending with Imperial victory and the annexing of 7% of Cardassian space. Although their forces were heavily defeated in this exchange, they responded with force on discovering the Empire's covert support for resistance operations on Bajor. A further 11% of pre-conflict Cardassian territory has now been annexed by the Empire, with one-ninth of this space being granted to Bajor in recognition of services rendered when Bajor achieved freedom from Cardassian control in 2369.

In private, the Cardassian military are hungry for revenge, but see themselves outclassed by Imperial fire-power. It is believed that, of all the Empire's enemies, the Cardassians are most likely to seek an alliance with another race in their quest for vengeance.

Annexed Worlds

No worlds of any great value have been added to the Empire as a result of these conflicts. All manners of resources, included slaves, have been harvested from a number of planets, leaving them desolate and often lifeless.