The superiority with which these people see themselves, coupled with their religion, has led to notably strained relations. Over 200 years ago, the Empire decided to take on the Gallaneteans and the newly-discovered Jovian Directorate. The Imperial forces expected an easy victory over these smaller powers, but found that the technological might of the Jovians and the Gallenteans was more than equal to their own.
The Amarr Empire’s views on religion and slavery have not won them many friends in the Eve Online universe. The government has attempted to improve its relations since losing to the Gallente Federation and the Jovian Directorate, but it is not necessarily trusted. (The Caldari, fortunately, will sell their wares to almost anyone.)
There are not many storyline missions that a pilot can fly for non-Imperial factions that will improve the faction rating. An Amarri pilot will need to maintain good relations with his government for a long time.
These military defeats bruised the psyche of the Empire, but the victory would have another unintended consequence. The barbarous Minmatars used these military defeats as an opportunity to rebel and declare their independence. The Mimnatar Republic adds yet another faction unfriendly to the deeply-religious people of the Empire. This information can be gleaned from the Amarr Empire secion on the Eve Online main page.