Also, as a guide to everyone, I added more links to essential topics in the Battletech universe, notably the Amaris Coup, Operation Exodus and the Succession Wars.

Edit: As a guide, the Lyran side, House Steiner, has a lot of German as well as Irish and Scottish cultural influences going on, and the old Tamar Pact was ruled by a family of Pakistani descent whereas the Davion side have a number of primarily Anglo-Saxon/American influences, but significant Muslim (variety) and Indian populations as well. The Federated Suns also has a number of Jewish settlers in and around Robinson, on the Draconis March. Some Russian and Chinese populations due to gains made in the 4th Succession War.

The Lyrans take nobility and titles a lot more seriously in politics and the military though the FedSuns are more into the trappings of chivalry though they have more embedded civil rights for their citizens. At the same time, they are fairly culturally compatible and that's why the Federated Commonwealth was created from the two states.