Flash Points in Sphere
In some ways, the ZOCU and Magnate Wars let out a vast amount of tension that had been hovering over human space since the breakdown. However, neither really resolved the issues presented, and both left their fair share of loose ends and potential trouble spots.
This list is by no means exhaustive but gives a brief overview of the different hot spots in sphere.
PACT Arm
Theia
Theia's civil war is seen by many as the main theatre of the cold war between PACT and ZOCU, with a veritable proxy war going on between different factions, often armed and trained by advisors from one of the major powers. While the tension has not risen to the level of New Mercia, both sides have made noises about deploying forces to quell the bloody conflict. This would no doubt lead to a counter move from the other side.
Van Lang
Van Lang, with its lush environment but alien flora and fauna would be a perfect place to settle via genetically altered settlers. However, the bio-conservative Vietnamese government continues to restrict its colonists these treatments. This has led to growing resentment and accusations that Vietnamese colonial policy rests only on the on the idea of furthering Van Lang's dependence on earth based supplies at the detriment of its colonists.
This has led to a strong and gathering independence movement which may yet attempt to break away from Earth.
EU Arm
New Mercia
Perhaps the most likely place for a war between ZOCU and the EU to break out, New Mercia remains divided between New Mercia and Albion, with the very hawkish powers of Haraway and Nidoras in relatively close proximity, and a considerable number of Harawayian troops and EU units positioned to defend their sides sovereignty.
Sea of Solomon
Magnate Conquests
While the Magnate War is over, for the moment at least, the status of worlds occupied by the Magnates still remains a thorny issue for the League and even some in ZOCU who want a hard line against what are widely viewed as monstrous Magnate occupational policies.
Chinese Arm
The entire Chinese arm is a flashpoint, with China and Russia squaring off, and Chinese colonies long independent from Beijing seeking to remain so. Outside forces such as PACT and ZOCU watch the situation with interest, wondering what advantage they can gain from the dragon's weakened position.
Earth
Taiwan
While Taiwan has now been independent for over two hundred years, China has still never really forgotten the renegade province. Tension in the straights and between PACT and China more generally flares up every so often. Though it's been somewhat lower key recently, given China's concentration on recolonisation of space.
Despite this, it's always a possibility that a Chinese government will seek to reclaim one of it's break away's closer to home rather than face the logistical nightmare of attempting to lift an army out into the Expanse. It's a possibility which keeps the American and Japanese navies funded and Taiwanese policy makers awake at night.