A wrenching and chaotic transition has already begun here.

And the main political beneficiaries may turn out to be right-wing nationalists like Vladimir V. Zhirinovsky, who are trading on the hardships of a chaotic transition.

And taxes, originally due on Dec. 31, could not be collected because of the chaotic political transition that followed the American invasion earlier that month.

Russia and the other Soviet successor states have faced a chaotic and harsh transition from a command economy to free market capitalism following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

It also needs Western money to import desperately needed food and medical supplies during the chaotic transition to a freer economy.

Moreover, they say, the weakening of the Cuban economy increases the likelihood of a chaotic transition when change finally does come to Cuba.

According to the stereotype, New Russians achieved rapid wealth by using criminal methods during Russia's chaotic transition to a market economy.

He assumed the post in early 1989, and served with discretion and distinction during the somewhat chaotic transition from the Hawke government to the Keating government in December 1991.

But cable, too, may stand to gain from a chaotic transition that drives consumers into its coaxial grasp.

"We're trying to get Cuba to make the reforms needed to avoid a chaotic transition when Castro falls, that would create a massive migrant wave," the American official said.