So I'm writing a story involving the Outer Rim trying to completely be independent from the Empire, is there anyway that would be possible?

Let's hypothetically say 70-80% of Outer Rim planets have good trade, economy, defense, etc, plenty of planets are neutral from the Clone Wars and now the Empire has arrived. Could there be any political defense the Outer Rim could have against the Empire expanding into the Outer Rim even temporarily that puts the Outer Rim in a justified light and that Palaptine cant just easily get around?

Even by a small percentage helps, writing politics isn't something I have done often.