Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Which of the novel’s many characters was your favorite? Which was your least favorite?

2. How does this novel compare to others in Clancy’s Jack Ryan series, such as The Hunt For Red October or Patriot Games?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Some of the characters in the novel, like Jack Ryan, realize that the American government may be abusing its power in Colombia, and have to make a decision. Have you ever had to decide whether to go along with, or oppose, something you thought was ethically or legally wrong? How did you resolve your dilemma?

2. Many of the characters in the novel are motivated by negative personal experiences with drugs and the drug trade. What causes do you feel willing to fight for? What is your motivation?

3. For both Jack Ryan and John Clark, the death of James Greer is a pivotal moment, as grief motivates both men to take extreme action in the Colombia operations. Have you ever made a major decision while grieving? How did your grief affect your decision?

4. The novel depicts political systems and politicians as prone to corruption. How have your own experiences reinforced, or undermined, your faith in the political and legal systems of your country?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does the book reflect popular attitudes towards drugs and drug use in America in the late 20th century? How have attitudes towards drugs changed, or not changed, in the years since?

2. When the novel was published in 1989, the technology described was cutting-edge. What technology might be used if the novel were written today?

3. How does the novel’s discussion of government corruption and war crimes resonate in the modern world? What issues still persist in contemporary times, especially in terms of US-Latin American relations?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The novel features an omniscient narrator that frequently comments on the actions of the characters. What is the effect of this narrative structure? How does it impact the reading experience?

2. How do major characters such as Domingo Chavez and John Clark develop over the course of the novel? How does this character development speak to larger themes in the novel?

3. The novel contains long sections featuring technical descriptions of ships, aircraft, communications equipment, and military strategies. How do these non-narrative sections add to the primary narrative?

4. A central debate in the novel is the distinction between murder and legally sanctioned deaths. How are the characters different or similar in their views? What position do you think the novel takes, overall?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were producing a new movie adaptation of A Clear and Present Danger, would you adapt it in the present day, or keep it set in the past? How might that change the tone of the movie?

2. If you could write a sequel about one of the novel’s side characters, such as Moira Wolfe, Felix Chavez, or Edward Stuart, who would you choose? What might happen to them after the events of this novel?