Brian+S

__ PLOT SUMMARY __ __The Bear and the Dragon__ by Tom Clancy follows the “accidental president” Jack Ryan as he battles through political unrest, international espionage, and a near-world war. The story begins with a failed assassination attempt on the Russian Defense minister, Sergei Golovko. As an investigation into this incident is run by the Russian Secret Service, the spotlight switches to follow the progression of the Chinese Politburo. A recent discovery in Siberia of gold and oil has made the Chinese envious and covetous, and they want the resources for themselves. As the plot thickens and gets more involved, a well placed source within the Chinese ministry building (known as SORGE)unknowingly passes on information to the CIA, and what is discovered is terrifying. During a very tense treaty negotiation in China between the US and the PRC, an overzealous Chinese policeman kills a Chinese Baptist minister and the Papal Nuncio (ambassador) from the Vatican City. This causes an outrage throughout the world, and people begin boycotting Chinese goods. With little resources and no income, the Chinese see no alternative but to invade Siberia and seize the oil and gold for themselves. Because of the SORGE documents, the CIA learns of this ploy and decides, in a last ditch effort to avoid war, welcome Russia into the NATO alliance. This fails to deter the Chinese and they invade Siberia. With the help of the US air force and some brilliant new technology, the Russians are able to repel the attacks and keep their land safe. Also, an intentional intelligence leak into the PRC causes a rebellion in Tiananmen Square and the Chinese Politburo is overthrown by their fellow countrymen who are outraged that the government would use them as pawns in such a devilish plot.

CHARACTER LIST  1. Jack Ryan- When a modern day kamikaze pilot crashes an airliner into the capitol building during a General Assembly, the chain of succession is used to anoint Ryan as the new President. His political purity and boy scout-like qualities lead him to direct the country in a positive and beneficial way. Using ties from his past (and other Clancy novels), Ryan is able to make the dream of world peace a great leap closer to becoming a reality.

 2. Col. Gennady Bodarenko- This recently appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Russian eastern front (CINCFarEast) faces many challenges of beefing up the border defenses and keeping the Russian lines secure. Bodarenko has displayed valor and bravery in the past (Clancy, __The Cardinal of the Kremlin__) and lives up to his reputation by whipping the lax border guards into a worthy opponent for the Chinese invaders. His military prowess and professionalism lead him to victory against the Asian enemy.

 3. Sergey Golovko- After the failed assassination attempt on his life, Golovko dives into the dark world of espionage and counterintelligence to find who tried to murder him, and along the way provides invaluable information to the US that eventually helps them to better their position and prepare from imminent war. His past and backchannel ties to President Ryan provide a strong path between the SVR (the Russian FBI) and the CIA and allow for vital information to be passed from country to country.

IMPORTANT QUOTATIONS  1. “Are they stupid? No, they are not. But do they see things in the same way that we do? No, they do not. That’s the fundamental problem with dealing with them-“… “Yeah, Klingons.” (Clancy, the Beginning of Chapter 29) This quote describes the differences between different nations and their various cultures, and how difficult it is to relate with other nations when these differences are present.  2. “They’re proud, George. Very, very proud. Like a rich family that’s lost its money but not its social position, and tries to make up for the one with the other. But it doesn’t work. Sooner or later, people find out that you’re not paying your bills, and then the whole world comes crashing in on you.” (Clancy, 9353-9360) This explains the position of the Chinese government, and how they have been spending money frivolously that they simply don’t have. This is what “forced” them into invading Siberia.  3. " Washington had not been blotted from the map. //Such a pity,// Zhang thought… //especially since there would be consequences…//With that, he washed and dressed and left for the Council of Ministers Building." (Clancy, 17393-17398) The failed nuclear launch on Washington D.C. has put the Chinese government in the proverbial pickle, with no options and imminent repercussions from the rest of the world.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING The novel __Red Storm Rising__ by Tom Clancy takes place in the early 1990’s. Islamic extremists blow up the last Soviet Oil refinery, and the USSR sees no other option but to seize control of the Middle East. First, however, they must go through Europe and NATO. This is the most developed and involved World War Three book I have encountered, and Clancy again delivers. Modern technology, vivid detail, and overwhelmingly accurate technical description make this a must read for Clancy fans. From racing tank battles on German Fields, to Air Assaults over France, to terrifying submarine battles beneath the icy northern Atlantic, this novel covers all of the fronts and all of the possible ways of modern war. Another suggested book would be __Rainbow Six__, again by Tom Clancy. This novel follows the birth of the greatest international counter-terrorism task force as to date, RAINBOW. The dastardly plot of an American Pharmaceutical company to relieve Mother Nature and destroy humanity by means of chemical warfare must be stopped by this elite force. Through many suspenseful and edge-of-your-seat terrorist plots, Clancy displays his ability to write gripping novels and his knowledge of the most advanced military and paramilitary tactics and technology in this amazingly crafted novel.

Both of these books are connected to mine in the sense that they both fall into the “Clancy Universe,” with many of the same characters and the same alternate view of the past 30 years. -Brian Snyder