In this #1 New York Times bestselling thriller from Tom Clancy, Jack Ryan gets caught in a war between the United States and a Colombian drug cartel and uncovers a shocking conspiracy. When Colombian drug lords assassinate both the U.S. ambassador and the visiting head of the FBI, their actions trigger a covert response from the American government–a response that goes horribly wrong.
“It’s a special job. It might be a little dangerous, but probably not. We’re not sure yet. It’ll last a couple of months at most. At the end, you make E-7 and have your choice of assignments.”
Beyond the Headlines: A Review of Tom Clancy’s Clear and Present Danger
Tom Clancy carved a unique niche in the thriller genre with his meticulously researched, technically detailed narratives often pitting American ingenuity and rectitude against foreign adversaries. Clear and Present Danger, published in 1989, stands as a significant, and in many ways darker, entry in the Jack Ryan series. While undeniably a high-stakes, action-packed political thriller characteristic of Clancy, it also presents a more cynical view of American power and politics than his previous works, inviting a critical examination of its strengths and weaknesses.
The Premise
Following the assassination of a close friend of the President, ostensibly linked to Colombian drug cartels, the U.S. government – specifically the President and his National Security Advisor, James Cutter – authorizes a massive, covert, and entirely illegal military operation deep within Colombia. Without Congressional approval or public knowledge, U.S. special forces are deployed to disrupt cartel operations. Jack Ryan, now Deputy Director of Intelligence at the CIA, is initially involved but kept in the dark about the true nature and extent of the operation. As things go south and the mission is compromised, the administration’s priority shifts from combating cartels to covering its tracks and cutting its losses, tragically abandoning the deployed soldiers. Ryan, discovering the betrayal and the constitutional crisis it represents, finds himself in a moral and professional battle against the very government he serves.
Strengths
- Intricate Plot and Scope: Clancy excels at weaving multiple complex narrative threads across different locations and levels of power. Clear and Present Danger masterfully juggles the bureaucratic infighting in Washington D.C., the brutal realities of the drug war in Colombia, and the desperate struggle for survival by the abandoned soldiers. This multi-faceted approach creates a rich, immersive world and keeps the tension ratcheting up.
- Moral Ambiguity and Political Critique: Unlike earlier Ryan novels where the lines between good and evil were often starkly drawn, Clear and Present Danger dives deep into shades of grey. The primary antagonists are not external enemies but powerful figures within the U.S. government itself, corrupted by power and expediency. The book starkly critiques the abuse of executive power, the dangers of covert operations bypassing democratic oversight, and the ethical compromises made in the name of national interest or political survival. This thematic depth elevates it beyond a simple military thriller.
- Introduction of Key Characters: The novel is pivotal for introducing and developing characters who would become staples of the Clancyverse. The grizzled, pragmatic operator John Clark is given significant depth and a central role, while Domingo “Ding” Chavez makes his compelling debut as one of the abandoned soldiers. Their harrowing experiences provide the emotional core of the book and set them up for future adventures.
- Clancy’s Signature Detail: True to form, the book is replete with highly detailed descriptions of military hardware, intelligence procedures, logistical planning, and political maneuvering. While sometimes dense, this commitment to verisimilitude lends a powerful sense of realism to the narrative, making the stakes feel incredibly tangible. The descriptions of jungle warfare and the logistics of covert insertion/extraction are particularly vivid.
- High Stakes and Tension: The situation faced by the abandoned soldiers is inherently terrifying and provides a potent source of tension throughout the latter half of the book. Coupled with Ryan’s increasingly dangerous quest to expose the truth and save the men, the narrative maintains a high level of suspense.
Weaknesses
- Pacing and Information Overload: Clancy’s dedication to detail can occasionally bog down the narrative. Long passages explaining operational procedures, intelligence gathering methods, or the intricate hierarchy of a drug cartel, while informative, can slow the pace and feel like info-dumps rather than seamlessly integrated elements of the plot.
- Character Depth (Beyond the Core): While Ryan, Clark, Ding, Ritter, and Cutter are well-realized, many other characters, particularly the political functionaries and some of the military personnel, can feel somewhat flat or serve primarily as plot devices. Their dialogue can sometimes be functional and exposition-heavy rather than revealing of personality.
- Political Realism (Questionable Elements): While the themes of political corruption and executive overreach are relevant, the specific scenario – a U.S. President and his inner circle directly authorizing such a massive, illegal military action without any paper trail or plausible deniability that holds up under scrutiny – stretches credibility, even within a fictional context. Some critics argue the level of blatant disregard for law and procedure, and the subsequent attempt at a clumsy cover-up, feels slightly less sophisticated than the complex plots Clancy usually crafts. The resolution for the political figures at the end also struck some readers as a little too convenient or lenient given the scale of their actions.
- Dialogue: While Clancy can write sharp exchanges, particularly in confrontations, some of the dialogue can feel stilted or overly formal, with characters often speaking in complete paragraphs that explain their thinking or relay information rather than engaging in natural conversation.
Conclusion
Clear and Present Danger is a powerful and important entry in the Jack Ryan saga. It marks a significant shift by turning the lens inward, exposing the potential for corruption and betrayal not just from external enemies but from within the halls of American power. Its strengths lie in its ambitious scope, intricate plotting, compelling moral questions, the introduction of iconic characters like Clark and Ding, and Clancy’s trademark attention to detail.
However, these strengths are occasionally counterbalanced by the pacing issues inherent in his detailed approach, moments where the political premise strains suspension of disbelief, and dialogue that sometimes serves plot over character.
Despite its flaws, Clear and Present Danger remains a gripping, thought-provoking technothriller. It’s a necessary read for fans of the Jack Ryan series, offering a darker, more cynical perspective that adds depth to the overall narrative. It challenges the reader to consider the ethical lines blurred in the name of national security and stands as a testament to Clancy’s ability to blend high-octane action with complex political and moral themes, even if the execution isn’t always perfect. It’s a clear and present example of Clancy at both his intricate best and occasionally overstuffed worst.