A xenophobic Bajoran political movement that sought to expel all outsiders from Bajor and attempted a coup in 2370 with secret Cardassian backing.
The Circle was a Bajoran nationalist movement that emerged after the end of the Cardassian occupation, rallying Bajorans who wanted their world rid of all aliens, including the Federation. It spread its message through graffiti and intimidation and attacked Bajorans it considered collaborators.
Its secret leader was Minister Jaro Essa, a member of the Provisional Government. Circle operatives abducted Kira Nerys from Deep Space Nine, and the movement was quietly armed with weapons shipped through Kressari traders. The suppliers were later revealed to be Cardassians, who hoped to drive the Federation away and weaken Bajor.
When Bajoran military forces backing the Circle moved to seize the station, Sisko's crew remained hidden aboard. Proof of Cardassian involvement reached the Chamber of Ministers, discrediting the movement, and its momentum collapsed after the death of the resistance hero Li Nalas. Jaro's ambitions were finished, though Vedek Winn, who had quietly aided him, escaped consequences.