The article deals with the study of the influence of the Russian diaspora
in the formation and development of the Russian studies programs at the universities of the United States. The process of «filiation» or the borrowing of emigrant ideas in the Soviet studies is shown on the examples of activities of the
Russian research centers at Harvard, Columbia, California Universities, etc.
The article focuses on such Soviet studies aspects as the preparation of scholars
in Sovietology, the development of Russian studies programs, Slavic resources
in library and archive sphere, the support of regional studies periodicals and
international links. In conclusion the author underlines the value of the Russian
diaspora heritage and points out the prominent role of the compatriots in the
progress of Soviet studies at American universities.