Every version of Clear and Present Danger — the books & films, compared across media.
Clear and Present Danger begins with the assassination of American officials in Colombia, setting off covert operations in which every participant believes they understand their mission — and each one is wrong. The story of political intrigue and moral compromise exists as both a 1990 novel and a 1994 film, offering two distinct ways to follow Jack Ryan through a world where the danger is never where it appears.
Yes. Clear and Present Danger is a 1990 novel following Jack Ryan and a covert operation tied to Colombia. The 1994 film adapts the same story, with Ryan as acting CIA Deputy Director of Intelligence.
Two versions are covered here: the 1990 novel and the 1994 film adaptation, both sharing the same title and core premise of American officials, Colombia, and clandestine missions gone wrong.
The 1994 film is a natural entry point for the story. Readers who want greater political depth and more characters can turn to the 1990 novel the film is based on.