HUNTINGTON, Ind,. (WOWO): As the world watches Crimea and the Ukraine nervously, a local expert on Eastern European history and geopolitics says there aren't a lot of solutions.

Dr. Paul Michelson, a professor of history at Huntington University says, any action the U.S. can or will make is largely restricted to rhetoric or economic sanctions and that has it's own dangers.  He ruled out the possibility of military action, saying the public wouldn't “stomach” it after Iraq and Afghanistan.

Fears the sanctions would embolden the leader and make it easier for him to make a case that the international community is against Russia.

Michelson also says the U.S. doesn't have much to bargain with when it comes to persuading Russian President Vladimir Putin, other than ideology.

He compared Putin to a bully and said he's out maneuvered the President at the bargaining table.