The **Rebel Alliance**, formally known as the **Alliance to Restore the Republic**, is a fictional organization from the *Star Wars* universe that opposes the authoritarian Galactic Empire. It is a stateless coalition of rebel dissidents and defectors united by the goal of overthrowing imperial rule and restoring the democratic Galactic Republic[1][3]. The Alliance emerged officially around 2 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) when Senator Mon Mothma publicly declared rebellion and united various scattered insurgent cells into a coordinated movement[3]. Functioning primarily through guerrilla warfare and covert operations, the Rebel Alliance capitalized on asymmetrical tactics, avoiding large capital ships due to limited resources and instead focusing on starfighter corps and rapid strikes against high-value imperial targets[1][4]. Its forces included highly trained special units known as “pathfinders” who specialized in infiltration and sabotage[1]. The Alliance’s military structure combined navy and ground forces under unified command, allowing flexible joint operations despite its smaller size compared to the Empire[5]. Key achievements of the Rebel Alliance include the theft of the Death Star plans, enabling the destruction of this superweapon at the Battle of Yavin, and later the destruction of the second Death Star at the Battle of Endor, which effectively ended the Empire's reign and restored the Republic[2][7]. Prominent figures associated with the Alliance include Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Mon Mothma, and Admiral Ackbar—heroes who symbolize resistance and hope[2][3]. Despite its modest resources, the Alliance’s reliance on repurposed civilian vessels, guerrilla tactics, and a decentralized but strategic command enabled it to punch above its weight against the formidable Empire[4][5]. After the fall of the Empire, many former Rebels continued resistance efforts against new threats such as the First Order. Notable for its portrayal as a diverse coalition emphasizing freedom, tolerance, and resilience, the Rebel Alliance remains an iconic symbol of insurg