abstract:"Sinatra Doctrine" was the name that the Soviet government of Mikhail Gorbachev used jokingly to describe its policy of allowing neighboring Warsaw Pact nations to determine their own internal affairs. The name alluded to the Frank Sinatra song "My Way"—the Soviet Union was allowing these nations to go their own way.
Soviet spokesman Gennadi Gerasimov has dubbed this policy the "Sinatra Doctrine" to show Western audiences how sympathetic Moscow is with those who wish to pursue independent paths.