Union forces advance down an avenue during the Battle of New York with a Nanotech shroud in support.
The Global Culture War is a conflict between the Polity and the Union. It began in 2068 with the Union's unprecedented attack on New York City. The Vanguard has been on the defensive since their withdrawal from the city.
Prelude[]
In the years before the war, both factions were in a state of a cold war. It was implied that there were many border clashes, airspace intrusions, and terrorist attacks during the last pre-war years, but not one major open conflict had occurred during this period.
War[]
2068[]
During President Bartlet-Young's address to the United Nations, the Union suddenly unleashed mass swarms of Nanotechnology into the building through an unknown method, and at the same time, Union troops, drones, Spider Tanks, Behemoths, and air force units were invading New York. By the time the Vanguard has responded, the Union forces have already taken most of the city. When the Vanguard sees what happened, they order Interceptor and Razor pilots to provide support of the ground forces; primarily composed of Striders, Armor, and Infantry, and try to retake the skies over New York. However, they're unable to repel the invaders and are forced to retreat, leaving the city in Union hands and signaling the beginning of the war.
2072[]
The battle lines as of 2072, with the Polity and their allies in blue while the Union is in red. Grey are (in theory at least) neutral powers.