Tom Clancy’s last book, “Debt of Honor”, ended with a bang when a renegade Japanese airline pilot flew his 747 into the Capitol building during a joint session of Congress, leaving Jack Ryan president of a gutted U.S. government.Clancy fans will be glad to know that the two-year wait for the resolution of this cliffhanger has ended with the publication of his latest book, “Executive Orders”.Clancy’s most recent effort combines his in-depth military knowledge with an astute presentation of current world events.The conclusion of “Debt of Honor” asks what would happen if the vast majority of our national leaders were killed in a catastrophic event. The answer, according to the new book, is worldwide chaos.A talented CIA officer and National Security Adviser, Clancy’s intrepid hero Jack Ryan is unschooled in presidential politics. The complex task before him compounds his naivete. Ryan sets out to restore the nation, rebuilding his cabinet with career bureaucrats and experienced businessmen. New senators are appointed, and representatives are chosen in special elections. But world and domestic renegades see this period of turmoil as a chance to accomplish their own goals and Ryan’s fledgling government is faced with numerous challenges at home and abroad.Former Vice President Ed Kealty, who left after a sex scandal, claims that he never resigned and is the rightful president.Foreign terrorists threaten Ryan’s family, while a pair of militia movement ‘Mountain Men’ plan their own violent act against the new president.India seizes the moment to advance its territorial ambitions and China makes a move against Taiwan.Iran conquers Iraq, unites the two countries and then turns its attention to other Islamic states in the Persian Gulf region.And just in case that’s not enough, an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus is used to wage biological warfare against the U.S.Even for Ryan, whose previous exploits include pirating a Russian submarine, saving his family from Irish terrorists and taking out chief Colombian drug lords, it’s not just another day at the office.Fortunately, Ryan benefits from the advice of military buddy Robby Jackson, FBI head Dan Murray and CIA agents John Clark and Domingo Chavez, all featured in previous Clancy novels.Clancy’s knowledge of both the domestic and international political scene clearly shows throughout the novel. The Middle East, China, the Ebola virus, and the militia movement are all current issues.Unfortunately, he uses Jack Ryan’s presidential speeches to express dislike of the media and professional politicians. Repeated passages criticizing the two groups start to sound a little preachy.Additionally, the chaotic start of the novel, while it may be realistic, makes the beginning somewhat slow and disjointed.However, as the plots begin to come together, Clancy’s trademark fast pace and superb technical description make the last 300 pages turn very quickly. Students of political science should be fascinated by Ryan’s efforts to rebuild the government while following the scant guidance provided by the Constitution. Military enthusiasts will, as always, be captivated by the battle descriptions. As always, Clancy fans will enjoy another tense, action-packed read.