The Rift Alliance represented a coalition of planets within the Galactic Republic, functioning as both a political body and a militant force within the Galactic Senate. These worlds, either members of the Republic or aligned with it, voiced their collective disapproval of what they perceived as the Republic's "incompetence," even going so far as to threaten secession or the severing of all ties. The Republic's very survival was contingent on these planets. Despite initial antagonism, a powerful Jedi Master managed to unify the Rift Alliance, directing their efforts against the Sith Empire and channeling their considerable resources to aid the Jedi's cause.
Alauni, representing Saleucami, a pivotal trade center in the Outer Rim, was a member of the Rift Alliance. Simultaneously, Aeten II's world, Diab Duin, was a crucial producer of vital ores and crystals essential for the Republic's fleet construction. As the conflict with the Sith Empire intensified, the healing properties of kolto from Manaan, the world of Shuuru, became indispensable. Furthermore, Erigorm, under the representation of Augin Blaesus, had managed the Republic's financial records for centuries; its departure would have crippled the Republic's financial system.
It's important to note that not all members of the Rift Alliance harbored hostile intentions toward the Republic. Tai Cordan, affiliated with the exiled government of Balmorra, sought allies to assist his homeworld. Senator Tobas Grell and his daughter Nadia, representing the newly integrated planet Sarkhai, were driven by mere curiosity to join the alliance.
The Rift Alliance consolidated its economic and military strength, establishing a research facility on Quesh managed jointly by its member worlds, primarily staffed by Selkath. Additionally, troops from the member worlds formed a coalition force to combat the White Maw pirates based on the ice planet Hoth, which harassed trade routes important to the Rift Alliance world.
Understanding the potentially devastating consequences of losing these systems, Supreme Chancellor Dorian Janarus enlisted the Jedi Master known as the Barsen'thor to maintain their allegiance to the Republic. The Barsen'thor successfully transformed the Rift Alliance into a formidable fighting force against the Children of the Emperor, culminating in a decisive confrontation with the First Son during the Battle of Corellia. Following Janarus' assassination, his successor, Supreme Chancellor Leontyne Saresh, authorized substantial reparations to the Rift Alliance, both as a response to their initial grievances and as gratitude for their invaluable contributions to preserving the Republic.
Interestingly, while the Rift Alliance was ostensibly a separatist movement, a significant portion of its members did not advocate for secession. Balmorra and Manaan maintained neutrality and were not originally part of the Republic, while Sarkhai joined the alliance out of mere inquisitiveness, with no apparent intention of seceding.
It's also noteworthy that Manaan, despite its long-standing commitment to neutrality, provided troops and military support to Hoth. However, scientific assistance to offworlders was not unprecedented; Selkath scientists had secretly aided the Republic at the Hrakert Rift station, and the Order of Shasa protected the research facility operated by the Order of Revan on Manaan during the same period.
Years after the Barsen'thor's involvement with the Rift Alliance, Jedi Master Kutri O'a foresaw a future scenario in which a New Rift Alliance would emerge, heavily influenced by the Barsen'thor's teachings preserved in his holocron.