The article highlights the formation of the "Gorbachev doctrine", its implementation and consequences. It is noted that its essence was the policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of the countries of Eastern and Central Europe, which were allies of the Soviet Union under the Warsaw Pact and partners in the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. The implementation of the “Gorbachev doctrine” led to the withdrawal of the USSR from the zone of influence that had belonged to it since the end of World War II. After the Soviet Union left, the United States took its place here.