1\
THE TWO LIVES OF CLIFFORD G GADDY
The Second Life (1987-2020)
a thread
THE TWO LIVES OF CLIFFORD G GADDY
The Second Life (1987-2020)
a thread
2\
Like a real life Don Draper, Clifford Gaddy was reborn. In 1987, he enrolled at Duke University.
He received a PhD in Economics under the direction of Vladmir Tre
Like a real life Don Draper, Clifford Gaddy was reborn. In 1987, he enrolled at Duke University.
He received a PhD in Economics under the direction of Vladmir Tre
3\
Treml worked on projects for the Office of Net Assessment. Gaddy assisted.
Treml worked on projects for the Office of Net Assessment. Gaddy assisted.
4\
In 1991, less than 5 years removed from a senior position in the LaRouche organization, Gaddy appeared on a panel with Sen Bob Dole.
In 1991, less than 5 years removed from a senior position in the LaRouche organization, Gaddy appeared on a panel with Sen Bob Dole.
5\
Gaddy is obviously very intelligent, but he would not have been allowed back into respectable academic and political circles without his association with The Brookings Institution.
Gaddy is obviously very intelligent, but he would not have been allowed back into respectable academic and political circles without his association with The Brookings Institution.
6\
How Gaddy landed a position at Brookings and who hired him is a mystery.
How Gaddy landed a position at Brookings and who hired him is a mystery.
7\
According to Gaddy’s now deleted bio,“In the mid-1990s he was an advisor to the Russian finance ministry and regional governments on issues of fiscal federalism for the US Government’s Tax Reform Oversight Project for Russia.”
According to Gaddy’s now deleted bio,“In the mid-1990s he was an advisor to the Russian finance ministry and regional governments on issues of fiscal federalism for the US Government’s Tax Reform Oversight Project for Russia.”
8\
In 1996, The Brookings Institution published published his first book, The Price of the Past: Russia’s Struggle with the Legacy of a Militarized Economy.
In 1996, The Brookings Institution published published his first book, The Price of the Past: Russia’s Struggle with the Legacy of a Militarized Economy.
9\
In 1999, Gaddy turned up on CSPAN and is described as a professor at Georgetown University (OF COURSE).
In 1999, Gaddy turned up on CSPAN and is described as a professor at Georgetown University (OF COURSE).
10\
In 2000, a British academic who would become Gaddy’s frequent collaborator joined The Brookings Institution, Fiona Hill.
(Hill became a US citizen in 2002)
In 2000, a British academic who would become Gaddy’s frequent collaborator joined The Brookings Institution, Fiona Hill.
(Hill became a US citizen in 2002)
11\
In 2002, Gaddy co-authored a book, Russia’s Virtual Economy, with Penn St economic professor Barry Ickes.
The following year, 2003, Gaddy and Hill co-authored a book about Siberia.
In 2002, Gaddy co-authored a book, Russia’s Virtual Economy, with Penn St economic professor Barry Ickes.
The following year, 2003, Gaddy and Hill co-authored a book about Siberia.
12\
In 2004, Gaddy and Hill along with their Brookings colleague Angela Stent made a joint appearance at Bill Kristol’s American Enterprise Institute.
In 2004, Gaddy and Hill along with their Brookings colleague Angela Stent made a joint appearance at Bill Kristol’s American Enterprise Institute.
13\
In August 2005, a graduate student at the University of Louisville named Igor Danchenko thanked Clifford Gaddy and Fiona Hill in his master thesis.
Gaddy’s name appears 14 times in Danchenko’s thesis.
In August 2005, a graduate student at the University of Louisville named Igor Danchenko thanked Clifford Gaddy and Fiona Hill in his master thesis.
Gaddy’s name appears 14 times in Danchenko’s thesis.
14\
The same month that Danchenko submitted his master’s thesis, August 2005, Danchenko began working at The Brookings Institution.
The same month that Danchenko submitted his master’s thesis, August 2005, Danchenko began working at The Brookings Institution.
15\
Less than a year later, on March 30 2016, Gaddy and Danchenko presented “The Mystery of Vladimir Putin’s Dissertation” to an audience at The Brookings Institution.
Less than a year later, on March 30 2016, Gaddy and Danchenko presented “The Mystery of Vladimir Putin’s Dissertation” to an audience at The Brookings Institution.
16\
Danchenko said the origin of their presentation was a shared determination to obtain a copy of Putin’s dissertation.
The speed with which Danchenko went from a student to a collaborator with Gaddy at Brookings suggests they knew each other previously.
But when?
Danchenko said the origin of their presentation was a shared determination to obtain a copy of Putin’s dissertation.
The speed with which Danchenko went from a student to a collaborator with Gaddy at Brookings suggests they knew each other previously.
But when?
17\
Gaddy’s resume has been deleted from the Brookings’ website, but it can still be found via the Wayback Machine.
Gaddy’s resume has been deleted from the Brookings’ website, but it can still be found via the Wayback Machine.
18\
Gaddy lists Perm Research Center as a place where he had formerly lectured. Danchenko was a student at Perm State in the mid-90’s (It’s my understanding these are two names for the same place).
Gaddy lists Perm Research Center as a place where he had formerly lectured. Danchenko was a student at Perm State in the mid-90’s (It’s my understanding these are two names for the same place).
19\
What are the chances they met in the 90’s when Gaddy was working as an advisor to the Russian government?
What are the chances they met in the 90’s when Gaddy was working as an advisor to the Russian government?
20\
Also in 2006, Gaddy and Hill published a report for Brookings. Danchenko is listed as a research assistant.
brookings.edu/research/brook…
Also in 2006, Gaddy and Hill published a report for Brookings. Danchenko is listed as a research assistant.
brookings.edu/research/brook…
21\
In 2009, Danchenko’s Georgia dissertation lists Clifford Gaddy and Angela Stent, a British-American professor at Georgetown and Senior Fellow at Brookings, as his thesis advisors.
In 2009, Danchenko’s Georgia dissertation lists Clifford Gaddy and Angela Stent, a British-American professor at Georgetown and Senior Fellow at Brookings, as his thesis advisors.
22\
There are 22 references to Gaddy in Danchenko’s dissertation. It’s clear that Gaddy was a mentor to Danchenko (and Fiona Hill as well), much as Michael Vale and Lyndon LaRouche were once mentors to him, in another life.
There are 22 references to Gaddy in Danchenko’s dissertation. It’s clear that Gaddy was a mentor to Danchenko (and Fiona Hill as well), much as Michael Vale and Lyndon LaRouche were once mentors to him, in another life.
23\
In May 2009, as Danchenko was earning his doctorate, the FBI opened a preliminary investigation into him as a possible national security threat.
In May 2009, as Danchenko was earning his doctorate, the FBI opened a preliminary investigation into him as a possible national security threat.
24\
The now declassified footnote reveals that the FBI interviewed “associates” of Danchenko.
Did they interview Clifford Gaddy? Fiona Hill?
The now declassified footnote reveals that the FBI interviewed “associates” of Danchenko.
Did they interview Clifford Gaddy? Fiona Hill?
25\
We learned from Danchenko’s FBI interview that he was introduced to Christopher Steele. Stephen McIntyre believes that the introduction was made via Fiona Hill. I think he’s most likely correct.
We learned from Danchenko’s FBI interview that he was introduced to Christopher Steele. Stephen McIntyre believes that the introduction was made via Fiona Hill. I think he’s most likely correct.
https://twitter.com/ClimateAudit/status/1310070019460608002
26\
I also believe Clifford Gaddy was the person who helped Danchenko find intelligence work and encouraged him to contact Orbis.
I also believe Clifford Gaddy was the person who helped Danchenko find intelligence work and encouraged him to contact Orbis.
27\
In 2010, Gaddy and Hill attend Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow.
In 2010, Gaddy and Hill attend Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow.
28\
Indeed, Gaddy and Hill along Angela Stent, author of Putin’s World: Russia Against the West and the Rest,
have been regular attendees at the conference since its inception.
Indeed, Gaddy and Hill along Angela Stent, author of Putin’s World: Russia Against the West and the Rest,
have been regular attendees at the conference since its inception.
29\
In 2011, Gaddy and Hill attended the Valdai Club and, once again, Hill occupied the prize seat next to Putin.
In 2011, Gaddy and Hill attended the Valdai Club and, once again, Hill occupied the prize seat next to Putin.
30\
The Valdai Club is the Moscow-based think tank associated with George Papadopoulos’ contacts, Joseph Mifsud and Ivan Timofeev.
The Valdai Club is the Moscow-based think tank associated with George Papadopoulos’ contacts, Joseph Mifsud and Ivan Timofeev.
31\
In 2012, Gaddy and Hill published the 1st edition of Mr Putin: Operative in the Kremlin. The authors write glowingly about the contributions of Igor Danchenko
In 2012, Gaddy and Hill published the 1st edition of Mr Putin: Operative in the Kremlin. The authors write glowingly about the contributions of Igor Danchenko
32\
Gaddy was very active during the time period of 2013-2016.
In 2013, Gaddy and Barry Ickes published Bear Traps on the Road to Modernization.
amazon.com/Bear-Traps-Rus…
Gaddy was very active during the time period of 2013-2016.
In 2013, Gaddy and Barry Ickes published Bear Traps on the Road to Modernization.
amazon.com/Bear-Traps-Rus…
33\
He made numerous appearances on CSPAN, either to discuss Russian actions in Ukraine or to promote his Putin book with Fiona Hill.
He made numerous appearances on CSPAN, either to discuss Russian actions in Ukraine or to promote his Putin book with Fiona Hill.
34\
In 2014, Gaddy attended the Valdai Discussion Club meeting once again.
In 2014, Gaddy attended the Valdai Discussion Club meeting once again.
35\
A 2nd edition of Mr Putin was published in 2015. The authors list Danchenko’s name in their acknowledgements, but the exuberant tribute to him in the 1st edition is missing.
A 2nd edition of Mr Putin was published in 2015. The authors list Danchenko’s name in their acknowledgements, but the exuberant tribute to him in the 1st edition is missing.
36\
April 9 2016, Gaddy, in a post on The Brookings’ blog, speculated that the Russians were behind the release of the Panama Papers.
I believe this post is important and I’ll return to it later to explain my reason.
File name:GaddyH1
brookings.edu/blog/order-fro…
April 9 2016, Gaddy, in a post on The Brookings’ blog, speculated that the Russians were behind the release of the Panama Papers.
I believe this post is important and I’ll return to it later to explain my reason.
File name:GaddyH1
brookings.edu/blog/order-fro…
37\
On July 27, 2016, an article written by Fiona Hill was published on Vox. Hill warns about possible Russian interference in the US presidential election. To be more precise, she points her finger directly at Putin.
vox.com/2016/7/27/1230…
On July 27, 2016, an article written by Fiona Hill was published on Vox. Hill warns about possible Russian interference in the US presidential election. To be more precise, she points her finger directly at Putin.
vox.com/2016/7/27/1230…
38\
The reasons Hill gives for why and how Putin would interfere in US elections will become familiar talking points over the next 4 years
The reasons Hill gives for why and how Putin would interfere in US elections will become familiar talking points over the next 4 years
39\
Her usual collaborator, Clifford Gaddy, is conspicuous by his absence.
Her usual collaborator, Clifford Gaddy, is conspicuous by his absence.
40\
On Jan 10, 2017, Buzzfeed’s published the Steele dossier.
Mentioned in the dossier is a name that many Americans of a certain age were likely not familiar with: Lyndon LaRouche. Gaddy's former mentor.
On Jan 10, 2017, Buzzfeed’s published the Steele dossier.
Mentioned in the dossier is a name that many Americans of a certain age were likely not familiar with: Lyndon LaRouche. Gaddy's former mentor.
41\
On my initial reading of the dossier, I recall thinking the inclusion of LaRouche’s name odd. LaRouche had not been relevant, to the extent he was ever relevant, since his arrest in the 1980’s.
On my initial reading of the dossier, I recall thinking the inclusion of LaRouche’s name odd. LaRouche had not been relevant, to the extent he was ever relevant, since his arrest in the 1980’s.
42\
In 2016, Danchenko was in touch with Christopher Steele as his primary sub-source for his dossier. We also know that he approached Fiona HIll in 2016. Did Steele also contact Clifford Gaddy?
In 2016, Danchenko was in touch with Christopher Steele as his primary sub-source for his dossier. We also know that he approached Fiona HIll in 2016. Did Steele also contact Clifford Gaddy?
43\
We don’t know.
But thanks to Matthew Sweet’s Operation Chaos, we do know that Gaddy abruptly left The Brooking Institution. Although he officially departed Brookings in January 2017, Sweet’s sources suggest he may have left earlier.
We don’t know.
But thanks to Matthew Sweet’s Operation Chaos, we do know that Gaddy abruptly left The Brooking Institution. Although he officially departed Brookings in January 2017, Sweet’s sources suggest he may have left earlier.
44\
Sweet notes the strangeness of one of the foremost experts on Vladimir Putin up and vanishing at the very moment when Putin experts were most in demand.
Sweet notes the strangeness of one of the foremost experts on Vladimir Putin up and vanishing at the very moment when Putin experts were most in demand.
45\
Sweet returned to Brookings in April 2017 and struck up a conversation with an employee who confirmed Gaddy disappeared without warning.
Sweet returned to Brookings in April 2017 and struck up a conversation with an employee who confirmed Gaddy disappeared without warning.
46\
Some keys event happened in January 2017:
🔹Donald Trump was inaugurated
🔹The dossier was published by Buzzfeed
🔹Igor Danchenko was interviewed by the FBI
Did any or all of these events play a factor in the disappearance of Clifford Gaddy?
Some keys event happened in January 2017:
🔹Donald Trump was inaugurated
🔹The dossier was published by Buzzfeed
🔹Igor Danchenko was interviewed by the FBI
Did any or all of these events play a factor in the disappearance of Clifford Gaddy?
47\
Let’s return to the blog post Gaddy wrote in April 2016. The theory that the Russians were behind the release of the Panama Papers in order to show how less corrupt Putin is in comparison with other world leaders strains belief
Let’s return to the blog post Gaddy wrote in April 2016. The theory that the Russians were behind the release of the Panama Papers in order to show how less corrupt Putin is in comparison with other world leaders strains belief
48\
The Washington Post article discussing Gaddy’s blog is titled “The not-completely-crazy theory that Russia leaked the Panama Papers,” which is another way of saying the theory is mostly crazy.
washingtonpost.com/news/worldview…
The Washington Post article discussing Gaddy’s blog is titled “The not-completely-crazy theory that Russia leaked the Panama Papers,” which is another way of saying the theory is mostly crazy.
washingtonpost.com/news/worldview…
49\
The only reason the reporter gives for even considering it is the reputation of its author.
The only reason the reporter gives for even considering it is the reputation of its author.
50\
When the WP reporter asked other Russian experts about Gaddy’s argument, they were skeptical. You can tell by the tone of their comments they were attempting to be respectful; however, a few slipped into ridicule.
When the WP reporter asked other Russian experts about Gaddy’s argument, they were skeptical. You can tell by the tone of their comments they were attempting to be respectful; however, a few slipped into ridicule.
51\
This blog post was the first crack I’ve seen in Gaddy’s second life persona. For decades, he’d been a sober, dry and respected academic. But in April 2016, he was drifting into LaRouchian-level conspiracy theory.
This blog post was the first crack I’ve seen in Gaddy’s second life persona. For decades, he’d been a sober, dry and respected academic. But in April 2016, he was drifting into LaRouchian-level conspiracy theory.
52\
It’s a sad indictment of the press that only a few months after this article was published, the MSM would be so in the grips of an anti-Russian hysteria that they would uncritically accept any accusation, no matter how absurd, leveled against Putin.
It’s a sad indictment of the press that only a few months after this article was published, the MSM would be so in the grips of an anti-Russian hysteria that they would uncritically accept any accusation, no matter how absurd, leveled against Putin.
53\
One of LaRouche’s tactics of control to single out an individual as the all-encompassing evil and unify the group against him/her.
One of LaRouche’s tactics of control to single out an individual as the all-encompassing evil and unify the group against him/her.
54\
Over the last 4 years many Americans have been in the grip of this type of groupthink paranoia. Everywhere they turn they see RuSsIaN dIsInFoRmAtIoN.
Over the last 4 years many Americans have been in the grip of this type of groupthink paranoia. Everywhere they turn they see RuSsIaN dIsInFoRmAtIoN.
55\
If this blog post was representative of where Gaddy’s mind was in April 2016, then I can’t help but wonder what role he may played in the authorship of the Steele dossier. If not directly, then indirectly through his protege Danchenko.
If this blog post was representative of where Gaddy’s mind was in April 2016, then I can’t help but wonder what role he may played in the authorship of the Steele dossier. If not directly, then indirectly through his protege Danchenko.
56\
If these guesses are correct, Gaddy and Danchenko discussed the Alfa Fellowship, an exchange program funded by Alfa Bank.
If these guesses are correct, Gaddy and Danchenko discussed the Alfa Fellowship, an exchange program funded by Alfa Bank.
57\
The “Alpha Group” worked closely with Vladimir Putin in the Steele dossier (“Significant favours continued to be done in both directions..). The attorneys for Alfa Bank’s principles have subpoenaed Danchenko to provide documents and sit for a deposition.
The “Alpha Group” worked closely with Vladimir Putin in the Steele dossier (“Significant favours continued to be done in both directions..). The attorneys for Alfa Bank’s principles have subpoenaed Danchenko to provide documents and sit for a deposition.
59\
Another example: When challenged about the reliability of the dossier, Steele’s defenders nearly always point to his accurate prediction that Rosneft would sell off a percentage of its ownership.
Another example: When challenged about the reliability of the dossier, Steele’s defenders nearly always point to his accurate prediction that Rosneft would sell off a percentage of its ownership.
60\
While there was speculation in the media prior to July, Steele’s accurate prediction does suggest some inside knowledge. (There’s no evidence, however, that Carter Page was anyway involved in the transaction).
While there was speculation in the media prior to July, Steele’s accurate prediction does suggest some inside knowledge. (There’s no evidence, however, that Carter Page was anyway involved in the transaction).
61\
What does Clifford Gaddy know about Russian gas companies?
A lot.
What does Clifford Gaddy know about Russian gas companies?
A lot.
62\
Gaddy and Barry Ickes published a book in 2016 on the subject of Russia’s oil and gas economy. A book, by the way, that no longer appears to be in print and that I can find no evidence that either author promoted it.
Gaddy and Barry Ickes published a book in 2016 on the subject of Russia’s oil and gas economy. A book, by the way, that no longer appears to be in print and that I can find no evidence that either author promoted it.
63\
Barry Ickes was the founder and head of research at the New Economic School, Moscow. That’s the school where Carter Page gave a speech in July 2016.
Barry Ickes was the founder and head of research at the New Economic School, Moscow. That’s the school where Carter Page gave a speech in July 2016.
64\
So what are the chances Gaddy was aware of the impending sell?
So what are the chances Gaddy was aware of the impending sell?
65\
There are very few westerners with Russian contacts as substantial as Clifford Gaddy. And unlike Steele, he has traveled freely to and from Russia for decades. (Glenn Simpson has never visited the country and doesn’t speak the language).
There are very few westerners with Russian contacts as substantial as Clifford Gaddy. And unlike Steele, he has traveled freely to and from Russia for decades. (Glenn Simpson has never visited the country and doesn’t speak the language).
66\
And let’s not forget in Gaddy’s previous life, he wrote semi-factual and often sensational inside-the-Kremlin intelligence reports for LaRouche’s weekly magazine.
And let’s not forget in Gaddy’s previous life, he wrote semi-factual and often sensational inside-the-Kremlin intelligence reports for LaRouche’s weekly magazine.
67\
Did Gaddy teach his prize student how to write convincing intelligence reports?
Did Gaddy teach his prize student how to write convincing intelligence reports?
68\
Something else to consider: Strobe Talbott, President of Brookings and long-time Gaddy associate, is the brother-in-law of Cody Shearer.
Something else to consider: Strobe Talbott, President of Brookings and long-time Gaddy associate, is the brother-in-law of Cody Shearer.
69\
Shearer was responsible for the creation of a memo based on intelligence, allegedly, independent from Steele’s that echoed many of the same allegations found in Steele’s dossier.
Shearer was responsible for the creation of a memo based on intelligence, allegedly, independent from Steele’s that echoed many of the same allegations found in Steele’s dossier.
70\
Long time Clinton operative, Sidney Blumenthal, passed a copy of the memo to Christopher Steele via Jonathan Winer.
Long time Clinton operative, Sidney Blumenthal, passed a copy of the memo to Christopher Steele via Jonathan Winer.
71\
Were elements of The Brookings Institution and the State Department, along with Clinton operatives, working together to feed Steele misinformation?
Listen carefully
Were elements of The Brookings Institution and the State Department, along with Clinton operatives, working together to feed Steele misinformation?
Listen carefully
https://twitter.com/theconservador/status/1285914436507705346
72\
That’s one possibility. There are so, so many possibilities, including scenarios in which Igor Danchenko is a patsy. That is one of the reasons I held off writing this thread.
That’s one possibility. There are so, so many possibilities, including scenarios in which Igor Danchenko is a patsy. That is one of the reasons I held off writing this thread.
73\
However, Danchenko has recently come out and taken ownership of the “research and intelligence” in the Steele dossier, and he’s asking for donations.
From his GoFund page:
gofundme.com/f/support-trum…
However, Danchenko has recently come out and taken ownership of the “research and intelligence” in the Steele dossier, and he’s asking for donations.
From his GoFund page:
gofundme.com/f/support-trum…
74\
Danchenko has made no attempt to address accusations he made against Sergei Millian.
Steele’s version of what Danchenko told him about his encounters with Millian and what Danchenko told the FBI are VASTLY different.
spectator.co.uk/article/was-th…
Danchenko has made no attempt to address accusations he made against Sergei Millian.
Steele’s version of what Danchenko told him about his encounters with Millian and what Danchenko told the FBI are VASTLY different.
spectator.co.uk/article/was-th…
75\
If @IgorDanchdoesn’t feel like he owes the American public an explanation, surely he owes it to @SergeiMillian to clear his name.
If @IgorDanchdoesn’t feel like he owes the American public an explanation, surely he owes it to @SergeiMillian to clear his name.
76\
Danchenko doesn’t blame Steele, doesn’t blame Gaddy or Hill, doesn’t even blame the FBI. He blames Trump.
He’s clearly not interested inuncovering the truth.
Danchenko doesn’t blame Steele, doesn’t blame Gaddy or Hill, doesn’t even blame the FBI. He blames Trump.
He’s clearly not interested inuncovering the truth.
77\
Fiona Hill testified before Congress that the Russians “played” Christopher Steele.
But it was her close academic comrades who were hobnobbing with suspected Russian intelligence assets.
Fiona Hill testified before Congress that the Russians “played” Christopher Steele.
But it was her close academic comrades who were hobnobbing with suspected Russian intelligence assets.
78\
How well did she know Danchenko.
How well did she really know Clifford Gaddy, the man who was her collaborator for 15 years?
How well did she know Danchenko.
How well did she really know Clifford Gaddy, the man who was her collaborator for 15 years?
79\
I wrote earlier that Gaddy disappeared. By that I mean, Dr Clifford G Gaddy, Russian expert, is gone.
Gaddy is currently working on his new life as a string player in a folk band.
They were playing local gigs until COVID shut everything down.
I wrote earlier that Gaddy disappeared. By that I mean, Dr Clifford G Gaddy, Russian expert, is gone.
Gaddy is currently working on his new life as a string player in a folk band.
They were playing local gigs until COVID shut everything down.
80\
That's all I got.
Let's have Cliff bring it on home....
That's all I got.
Let's have Cliff bring it on home....
CORRECTION: Gaddy and Danchenko presented their presentation on Putin's plagiarized dissertation in 2006. Not 2016.
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