Generals takes place in the near future where the United States and China co-operate to fight against the Global Liberation Army (GLA), a terrorist organization based in Central Asia. In chronological order, the campaign is played through the Chinese, GLA and then the United States perspectives respectively.

China: A military parade in Beijing is attacked by GLA forces, culminating in the detonation of a stolen Chinese nuclear warhead and the beginning of the GLA's incursion inside China's borders. The Chinese mobilize to stall and contain the GLA, but in the process lose the Three Gorges Dam and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Now on the offensive, the Chinese attack GLA strongholds, arriving at the terror cell's main headquarters in Dushanbe. Utilizing nuclear weapons, the Chinese put an end to the GLA's offensive.

GLA: Despite losses to China, the GLA maintains its presence across Central Asia and the Middle East. In efforts to revive itself, the GLA raid UN convoys and incite riots in Astana. However, the United States enters the war and a GLA renegade sides with the Chinese with the intention to destroy the organization. The GLA retaliate by attacking the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and uses the platform to launch devastating toxin attacks at highly populated cities.

USA: The United States sends its forces to the Middle East, Hindu Kush and then Kazakhstan to finally put an end to the GLA. Despite losses incurred from GLA attacks and ambushes, the USA are able to push the GLA back to their final stronghold in Akmola Region. With Chinese support, the USA destroys the last GLA stronghold, ending the GLA's reign of tyranny.