The Arkanian Dominion served as the governing body for the planet Arkania, overseeing the near-human Arkanian population throughout its existence. As an ally of the Galactic Republic, the Dominion held a seat in both the Galactic Senate and subsequently, the Imperial Senate under the Galactic Empire.
During the initial stages of Arkania's development, the Arkanian Dominion emerged as the corporate meritocracy that would rule the planet. Comprised of individuals from the Arkanian species, the Dominion was significantly shaped by powerful corporate organizations, notably the Adasca BioMechanical Corporation of Arkania, which was controlled by the House of Adasca, a wealthy family whose name was used for the capital city, Adascopolis.
Throughout Arkanian history, the Dominion openly permitted widespread genetic modifications to be performed on various species, including the Quermians and the Yaka. In 50 BBY, the Arkanian Renegades, a faction that resisted the genetic experimentation on the Yaka, attempted to depose the Dominion during the Arkanian Revolution. These rebels, utilizing mercenary cyborgs, successfully overwhelmed the geneticists, prompting the Dominion to seek assistance from the Jedi Order. The Order intervened, suppressing the revolution and allowing the Dominion to maintain its authority.