I think we all have realised that Discovery is about symbiosis. Two or more factions needing each other to give purpose and meaning what comes to interaction. This means that if a faction has quality RP and natural draw it will inevitably bring life to a faction countering to it. So factions either blossom together or wither away together. Some factions are more blessed than other since they can have interaction with many factions.
I'm using Rheinland and it's factions since I know that corner of space best.
For example, Red Hessians. They have Rheinland military AND Corsairs to interact with. If for some reason Military is dormant the relations with Corsairs can carry the Hessian factions over the dry times. And vice versa.
On the other hand Bundschuh which mainly plays ball with RM is in trouble if RM goes dormant.
This same principle applies to all Sirius. Some factions (smaller local ones) really need to make an effort keep the opposition alive. And not complain about the inactivity. A very good and efficient way is to have an event with them. Raise the profile of your enemy.
The point is. Encourage and give kudos and praise to the enemy faction, cultivate your relations with it, give positive feedback and you WILL reap the benefits of it. If the other faction for some reason does not wish to interact with you (be that you, and your faction, have been cap spamming, ganking, in general being a jack-ass) it will have an effect on your faction too. Your faction will wither away slowly, but surely.
You and your faction enemy share a common interest of sorts. Don't throw away the fun, that you can have together, by your own actions. Think about it for a while.
Part 2:
I want to dole out pats in the back here and get the goodwill ball rolling and name the factions I have fun interacting with around the places I operate. Mind that the faction you can have interaction with is not necessarily your enemy, but can be also your ally or traders.
RM, always nice to see military guys around. The more the better. And RP is good with you guys.
OPG, to me you have become the primary Corsairs since other Corsairs tend to avoid Omegas. It's nice to chat with you since you are usually not in a hurry to engage but savor the RP first. I see also the Brotherhood and Benitez pilots occasionally and I also commend you.
Lane Hackers, Phate especially. I still remember with fondness how you with 2 of your wingmen (2xGB) just turned down the gauntlet thrown by me in my Bounty Hunter Hammerhead. You didn't even dignify a response and your wingmen played their RP nicely.
TAZ - Since you guys have all the time in the world it's almost always very interesting talk that can be had with you.