Kadikla

Kadikla represented an ideological push for heightened nationalism among the Mandalorian warrior clans. While these clans historically united in times of crisis, they generally opposed the structured governance and bureaucracy found in entities like the Galactic Alliance, due to their independent and often nomadic traditions. Commonly referred to as a "Mandalore-first" initiative, kadikla proponents argued that while nomadic lifestyles had served Mandalorians well, a strong, centralized Mandalorian nation would benefit all, offering nomadic Mandalorians a dependable stronghold and deterring aggression from factions within the galactic community.

The purpose of kadikla was to enhance opportunities for success and self-determination for members of the warrior clans, who often worked for foreign entities as bounty hunters and mercenaries. Instead of relying on external agencies with little regard for the well-being of their Mandalorian employees, often driven by a desperate need for credits to support themselves and their families, kadikla advocated for domestic economic opportunities, asserting that Mandalorians should not be compelled to fight for survival. According to kadikla, Mandalorian soldiers should only fight to defend themselves, their families, and their homeworld; mercenary work remained an acceptable income source, provided it was a voluntary choice rather than a last resort.

Kadikla, named after its founder Kad'ika—the lifelong nickname of Venku Skirata—originated from ideas passed down to Skirata by his grandfather, Kal Skirata. Kal Skirata, a seasoned mercenary who had worked for various criminals and corporations, developed strong beliefs about Mandalorian self-reliance, which he imparted to his grandson.

During the invasion of the galaxy by the extra-galactic Yuuzhan Vong species, these alien invaders launched an assault on Mandalore, the Mandalorian's cultural homeworld, in 29 ABY. Although the Mandalorians successfully repelled the attack, the planet and its people suffered greatly, with Mandalore still bearing the scars of battle over a decade later. It was in the aftermath of this devastation that kadikla began to gain traction. Inspired by his grandfather's philosophy, Venku Skirata began speaking to Mandalorian groups, spreading kadikla ideals across Mandalore and gaining recognition as the movement garnered support in a community ravaged by the Yuuzhan Vong. Supported by members of his clan, Skirata swayed many other Mandalorians, including the Mandalorian supercommando Goran Beviin, and influential figures like Neth Bralor and Graad. Graad became a prominent advocate for kadikla, known for engaging in extensive discussions about its merits.

In 40 ABY, a meeting took place at MandalMotors Hall in Keldabe, Mandalore's capital city, where numerous clan chieftains, local business owners, and other prominent Mandalorians convened with Boba Fett, the reigning Mand'alor. During discussions about the state of Mandalore, Neth Bralor and Graad presented kadikla principles, though Baltan Carid and others at the meeting criticized the movement. Despite this opposition, Fett was intrigued by Graad's presentation of kadikla ideals and subsequently issued several decrees aligned with the movement, including recalling two million Mandalorians from across the galaxy to replenish Mandalore's dwindling population. Venku Skirata praised Fett's decision when they met some weeks later, while continuing to advocate for kadikla before gatherings of clan leaders in hopes of greater acceptance.

Kadikla was initially introduced into Star Wars canon through an indirect reference in the second novel of the Star Wars: Legacy of the Force series, Legacy of the Force: Bloodlines, written by Karen Traviss and released on August 29, 2006. The movement was formally named in Traviss' subsequent novel, Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice, published on May 29, 2007, and later reappeared in Legacy of the Force: Revelation, the penultimate novel in the series, published on February 26, 2008.