Perception is a motherfucker
Every Large organization is going to face corruption. Thats the easy answer
The not so easy answer is that when so much is on the line tuff shrewd decision must be made.
That is why leaders need to realistic and have a good moral compass
The federation did their share of dirt. Imagine you need to chose between two warring factions and one side has a vast resource of dilithium crystals. You must trend lightly in situations like this because you need that resource. By looking to other way at certain atrocities you can do a great service to your people by getting your hands on a vital resource.
The federation did nothing for years as the Cardassians enslaved the Bajoran people all to try and keep the peace.
How many world were left in despair when the neutral zone was mapped out
Trade policy ... heavy influence on local issues ... choosing favorites in elections.... For some people the federation was more a problem than a solution.
The Dominion offered another way a universe free from the perceived tyranny of the federation
Win: Federation
The Separatist had a reasonable premise .... They did not want to be part of the republic .. they wanted to do their own thing. Their is nothing wrong with that. However the Darkside twisted that shit up pretty good & everyone got Fucked in the end.
Win: NO ONE
Federation Vs Dominion Vs The Galactic Republic Vs Separatists
It seems like it depended on which side you on
but each is depicted as corrupt on some level...
especially as the series have expanded into television, novels and comics.
Watching Star Trek Deep Space 9 re-runs and it seems like MANY civilizations HATE the Federation and find them oppressive.
And Star Wars the Clone Wars animated series continue to show the mistreatment of the clone soldiers by the Republic and the war destroying many innocent civilizations insisting on remaining neutral.
Many Jedi going to the Dark Side and the Separatists actually treating those who sided with them early VERY fairly...
AND WHICH ONE IN YOUR OPINION WAS MORE POWERFUL???
So can ya'll help me out here???