Guide Tom Clancy's

he unthinkable happens in 2016. A nuclear exchange in the Middle East kills 20

million people and cripples the world’s oil supply. Crude oil prices spike at $800 a

barrel.

One year later, the threat of worldwide nuclear war is elimi-nated when the United

States and Europe deploy a compre-hensive space-based antiballistic missile shield.

Russia soon follows with an advanced missile defense system of its own.

Intercontinental ballistic missiles are rendered obsolete.

Russia becomes the world’s primary supplier of energy and experiences a massive

economic boom. With its newfound riches, Russia quickly reestablishes itself as a

major super-power and restores its military might.

Western Europe, with the notable exceptions of the UK and Ireland, unifi es to create

the European Federation. This new nation is destined to be a formidable 21st-century

super-power.

In 2020, the United States is on the verge of fi nishing con-struction on the Freedom

Star, a controversial orbital military platform that will upset the balance of world

power. The European Federation withdraws from NATO in protest.

Tensions between the European Federation, the United States, and Russia are building

and will soon reach the breaking point.