Degwin Sodo Zabi ruled as sovereign of the Principality of Zeon during the Universal Century 0079 conflict, the One Year War. His political ascent began earlier as Chief of Staff under Zeon Zum Deikun, when he established the Republic of Zeon's National Defense Force in UC 0058. Following Deikun's sudden illness and death in UC 0068, Degwin asserted Deikun had named him successor, though widespread suspicion persisted regarding his potential involvement, despite no conclusive evidence. On August 15, UC 0069, Degwin formally declared the Republic of Zeon's transformation into the Principality of Zeon, assuming absolute authority. This transition involved purging and exiling loyalists to Zeon Deikun's original faction. Over time, Degwin grew disillusioned with power and the war. The death of his youngest son, Garma Zabi, profoundly affected him, leading to depression and withdrawal. He gradually relinquished day-to-day governance to his eldest son, Gihren Zabi, who effectively became Führer, reducing Degwin to a figurehead. Degwin maintained complex, strained family relationships. He openly expressed disgust for Gihren's ruthless methods and authoritarian tendencies, yet displayed clear favoritism toward Garma before his death. In one confrontation, Degwin directly challenged Gihren's leadership, comparing him unfavorably to Adolf Hitler and questioning his suitability as a representation of Zeon's ideals. He bluntly stated Gihren could never embody the Newtype concept, serving only as a distorted imitation of Hitler. Degwin also voiced apprehension about his daughter Kycilia Zabi's undisclosed schemes, drawing parallels to Hitler's followers turning against their leader. Despite authorizing Gihren's Solar Ray superweapon project, Degwin grew increasingly weary of the war's devastation, especially after the loss of his son Dozle Zabi. This culminated in his decision to pursue peace negotiations with Earth Federation General Revil. On December 30, UC 0079, as both leaders convened with their fleets in a neutral zone, Gihren ordered the firing of the Solar Ray. The weapon obliterated Degwin's flagship along with Revil's command ship and much of their fleets, killing Degwin as he sought a diplomatic resolution. Alternative portrayals exist. The novelization depicts Degwin surviving the war only to be deposed as Zeon's leader following the deaths of Gihren and Kycilia, coinciding with Char Aznable's rise. An unused storyline would have featured Degwin admitting to assassinating Zeon Zum Deikun and seeking forgiveness from Sayla Mass (Artesia Som Deikun) during peace talks. The Super Robot Wars OE video game presented a scenario where player intervention could prevent his assassination, altering the war's trajectory by forcing Gihren to establish Neo-Zeon. In the G-QuuuuuuX timeline, Kycilia Zabi accused Gihren of assassinating Degwin through poisoning.