Aside from their behavior in-game, this is all I have to go on for faction lore, from the Planetside 2 website's
Game Overview and
FAQ respectively:
Terran Republic – With a militaristic government, the Terran Republic uses its Imperial authoritarian might to impel humanity to peaceful coexistence through any means necessary
(Overview). An authoritarian government that leverages military might to maintain strict control over the colonial citizens. The Terran Republic is obsessed with the preservation of law and order and are thus seen by some to be an oppressive and dictatorial force, but many view the TR as the only hope for lasting security on Auraxis
(FAQ). Basically, they ARE a pretty power hungry dictatorship, but they really do keep order. We also know that these guys like to use
moar dakka.
New Conglomerate – A loosely connected group of rebel factions and idealistic freedom fighters, the New Conglomerate fights against the hegemony of the Terran
(Overview). Rebels, freedom fighters or terrorists? The New Conglomerate operates as a loosely organized band of dissidents, vehemently opposed to the stranglehold that the Terran Republic has on Auraxis. Led by an unusual quorum of outcasts, industry titans, pirates and former military leaders, the New Conglomerate is unwavering and prepared to achieve their goals by any means necessary
(FAQ). I wonder if the NC's alleged rag-tagginess affects the game in any way? Sure, I can buy that they have major industries and a sufficient amount of military leaders working for them, but then they aren't really loosely connected freedom fighters are they? Maybe they are really just tea-partiers. This faction's weapons seems to be focused bigger explosions and high caliber, slow rate of fire guns (a disadvantage for people with poor connection?)
Vanu Sovereignty – A technocratic faction that believes humanity can only evolve by rediscovering and tapping the lost technology of the Vanu
(Overview). Vanu has taught that only through technology can humanity evolve it's next state of existence. The Vanu Sovereignty is extremely advanced, employing powerful alien technology on the battlefield. Their singular purpose is to uncover the secrets hidden away in ancient artifacts scattered over the surface of Auraxis and they will annihilate anyone who interferes
(FAQ). These guys seems pretty cool, they're the only ones who know they're in a science fiction universe. I guess maybe it proves that the TR are evil if they want to stop the VN from being peaceful R&D archaelogists, but then why do the NC hate them? Also the "Vanu has taught..." bit makes me wonder if maybe they are crazy about following some cult leader. Either way, if they're just intellectuals, how did they get the industry and labor to field a military? Maybe the nature of the VN is another discussion. Anyway, they get lasers and hovertanks, and their faction color is the most distinct. However, their armor looks like something and eight year old would say is
super cool, guys.