The United States of Columbia was borne out of secession in the face of a falling American empire some thirty years ago. Originally occupying just the coast, the union has pushed across the Rockies to encompass some of the plains states, while also pushing out into the Pacific, incorporating Fiji and Micronesia. However, this manifest destiny has finally hit a roadblock.

The Columbian Liberal Party, in power for a decade now, has failed to take on the position of the dominant American state it envisioned. With a mediocre internal policy, and remaining controversy over a botched response to the Los Angeles Earthquake, the tides have slowly turned against them. Abroad, they have let Columbia's place on the continent slip to a resurgent Midwest and USA. Though the military is stronger than ever, the 2046 midterms saw the Pacific Popular Party reclaim a majority in Congress for the first time since the 2034 presidential election.

Campaigning on a promise to bring back the prosperity of the 2020s and put the people first, the leftist party is going to face some challenges. Liberal president Alexandra Lawrence still has two years left in her third term as president, giving the Liberals time to recoup for the 2048 elections. On top of that, bringing back the prosperity of the '20s is going to be a lot easier said than done.

Columbia's future hangs in the balance. No pressure.