An interesting study into the role of domestic and national identities in Russia's foreign policy towards its "near abroad", despite certain shortcomings:

Identity, legitimacy, and the use of military force:
Russia’s Great Power identities and military intervention
in Abkhazia
TED HOPF
Review of International Studies / Volume 31 / Supplement S1 / December 2005, pp 225 - 243


If you are really interested and do not have access to the publication via institutions, pm me.