Although many Eastern European countries are breaking the chains of communism, a system of democracy may not be the next stage for these countries, a Sovietologist told the University Board of Trustees Friday.

"There is a deep sense of pessimism among all strata of the Soviet society," said Vernon Aspaturian, Evan Pugh Professor of Political Science and senior director of the Slavic and Soviet Language and Area Center at the University.

"But the people's desire for freedom from communism will not make them march directly into democracy . . . only Czechoslovakia has ever had any experience with democracy," he said.

Aspaturian predicted that the Eastern Bloc would dump the concept of communism and operate under a multi-party system sometime within the next several years.

Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev represents an important impetus in the Soviets' struggle against communism, he added.

"There's a great deal of animosity directed toward him . . . the Soviet people are sick and tired of promises . . . they're sick and tired of people telling them they should work harder and wait longer," Aspaturian said.

Fighting to keep his union together, Gorbachev faces external conflict also, he added.

"Gorbachev has to rely on outside Western support to revamp the Soviet economy, and (these Western nations) have made it clear that all deals are off if he uses force," Aspaturian said.

Yet, many argue that force may be the only way to prevent the Eastern Bloc from crumbling, he added.

Either way, Gorbachev will encounter conflict, Aspaturian said.

Board members praised Aspaturian's work and commented on his speech.

"Aspaturian is one of the foremost Soviet scholars certainly in the United States and maybe even in the world," said Trustee H. Jesse Arnelle.

Trustee Jim Wagner lauded the Soviet citizens' efforts, saying: "It's exciting to see people free to be masters of their own destiny."

"What he said makes great sense to me," said University President Bryce Jordan. "The Soviet Union is in the process of disintegration, and disintegration also produces instability -- this is a critical time."