ST New (or Old) Republic?

That is so true. Possibly the best nutshell of the French revolution (called "the terror" by some) that i have ever seen.

 

Indeed, state pretty much invented the terror, and the word itself is originated from there. Not just any random state, but once promissing New Republic. (there is a great BBC docomentary on the subject btw)

I doubt SW people went that route, but what if:

Stormtoopers we've seen in teaser were ordered by Leia and the Senate (or whatever new governing body is called).
The rebels (Poe & comp.), are fighting against some of the former legends of the rebelion (now the establishment). They are wearing the same insignia, as those legends did in the past (Endor and before), because they are standing for the same ideals. Remember, we are 30 years after the fact.

 

No, Abrams is not going to make the Big Three villains.

 

Why would Leia and the Senate order Imperial-looking armor and TIE Fighters?

 

Middle-Aged Republic.

 

nah it's just the regular military, as it was during the Old Republic, and they don't interfere in military design. Of course, it is not design of the helmet or the armor that determines if you are imperial or not, otherwise half of the World's military today could be considered Wehrmacht V2.

 

For the trooper armour, that is would be possible, however not for the star fighters.

Unless Kevin Smith - who was the first to reveal the white armour troops - jumped to conclusions and Abrams deliberately didn't correct him so as to mislead the public (Abrams doesn't seem the type to use and embarrass people like that), and some bad guys (like pirates or criminals) just so happen to be using TIE fighters, I think it is a very safe bet that this is the Empire.