Background Info
on novels

Date first published	1 August 1994
ISBN Number	0 002 24577 9
Page Count	766 h/b
h/b= hardback : p/b= paperback

Storyline

This the second in the trilogy (Sum of All Fears the first, Executive Orders the final instalment) tackles the theme of war, but not from a nation state, but a group within that nation.

Japan a small island state with very few natural resources, looks to the Northern Resource Zone. The leading businessmen look to the great wealth of resources, but realize that they must knock America out of the equation. The great plan is the scheme of Yamata a powerful Japanese Zaihbatsu, who dreams of making Japan a global world power to equal America.

The situation is worsened by the growing trade war between the two nations, and events sparked off when America closes it's doors to Japanese goods following a terrible road accident, blamed on faulty engineering.

In Washington, the thought of true peace is again gaining hold as the last two ICBMs are destroyed, so finally ending the Cold War. Peace however is fleeting and illusory, as a new nation seeks to fill the vacuum left by the Soviet Block. Meanwhile India another Nation looking to become a world power seeks to keep the US out of the Indian Ocean.

The Japanese much like 1941 strike a knock out blow to the financial markets of the US and its depleted Pacific Fleet. During the ensuing mess they make there move seeking to build a defensive zone by seizing Guam and Saipan.

Clark and Chavez are sent to Japan with the mission of rescuing an American citizen who is currently adorning the bedroom of the countries new Prime Minister. Unfortunately they arrive two late to save the girl, but in time to see a rally, which scares Clark. As the situation worsens, Clark and Chavez find themselves deep under cover, posing as Russian journalists, working with the local KGB agent.

The situation worsens, and when the Americans refuse to back down are threatened by the Japanese with Nuclear missiles. The Japanese thinking they hold all the cards, are caught short when the Americans decide to change the rules, and pretend the financial collapse never happened.

The Americans using the latest military hardware, and the media, gradually grind down the Japanese forces, and kill off the leading Zaihbatsu, in there own homes. It leads to the arrest of Yamata, who is not allowed the 'dignity' of falling on his own sword, but has earth shattering consequences, after a pilot decides to take affairs into his own hands and teach the Americans a lesson they will never forget..

Review

War until now has been between two States. Clancy with this books looks at the effects when war is conducted not only on the battlefield but also at a countries financial heart. What happens when stockmarket of a nation is systematically destroyed with little hope of recovering it? What happens when a country which effectively has a closed door on foreign imports suddenly finds itself being treated in the same way by its main trading partner, and when does a man cross the line between seeking a balanced peaceful settlement and become a traitor? All these questions are posed by Clancy, who tries to answer them.

The book like SOAF has an unrelenting pressure. The Japanese and the Indians being the openly agressive opponents, but in the background waiting to step in is the other great world power China.

Initially the production of nuclear weapons seems to hold no fear, the Japanese after all would never unleash such an awful weapon after suffering so greatly in the past. This is somewhat different to SOAF where, you know, the bomb is being built for use, and that bar a lucky break by the security forces it will be used as intended.

Clark and Chavez are again in the field though initially as spooks out to resolve a minor problem that has no real significance, but who get caught in the fallout of the Japanese attack. Alone in a foreign country, where they stand out like a sore thumb, they face the uncomfortable prospect of having a Russian intermediary.

The book looks to have ended with the surrender of the Japanese forces after a concerted military effort by the Americans which sees the troops soundly beaten. In the greater scheme of things the death of one pilot seems insignificant, except to that of his father, who lost his parents when they committed suicide rather than face capture by the Americans in 1945. He exacts a terrible revenge on the Americans.

Ryan is still chained to the government post that he doesn't want. With the Vice President out of office following a sex scandal Ryan is offered the prize of the job, after which he will be free forever. Little does he know that by accepting the final link in the drama is set.

Debt is another fantastic effort by Clancy, it concentrates more on the Navy and strategy, and the problems posed by the New world which seems no safer than the Cold War world that I grew up in. The world with only one superpower has a vacuum, and other countries see the opportunity to fill that void.

The final chapters of the book which lead directly into EO, now have greater effect following the World Trade Center disaster, and as, has been pointed out by people on the newsgroups, seems to have been an idea stolen by the terrorists.

To have two very strong titles in a trilogy is great, but Executive orders which follows also keeps up the momentum. A very good read and easily on a par with SOAF.The book has very strong elements of political intrigue,espionage and military action. In some ways The Bear and the Dragon tries to emulate the balance of this book but just misses the mark, which explains why this is a 4 star book TBTD is only 3. This is probably the only time that you should read the books in order, as the early impact of EO will most definitely destroy the twist in the tail of this story.

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