I’m hopping between the two options, both are possible and appealing in their own ways. Most likely a new world though.
Ham Salad
As promised, more explanation.
The idea will focus on a single planet at first, home to a formerly reclusive people but now dealing with refugees flooding to the world from the big war. Ideas between the two groups begin to mingle, and this formerly backwater little world is suddenly growing and being exposed to new technology, new peoples, and new ideas.
Along with these refugees, pirates are preying on the refugee convoys. The little nation, seeing a need to protect those coming to them for a new home, begin to work beyond their world and making an impact on their small region of space. They will experience space combat for the first time, conflict among the stars, and take their firsts steps on the path to building a true galactic nation.
The original nation idea will be taking heavy inspiration from ancient imperial China, as well as a mixture of other thoughts. I am still uncertain about the nature of Force Users for the group, but open to ideas.