‘After nearly annihilating our planet, the families have become friends’: a thrilling audio series from JFK and Khrushchev’s relatives.

In the month of October 1962, the world came closer toward ruin than at any other point in recent history. This occurred after an American surveillance plane identified that Soviet nuclear missile sites were under construction in the island of Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the United States. Reacting to this, U.S. President JFK directed a naval task force to establish a naval blockade encircling the island. The next phase constituted nearly 14 days filled with unbearable tension.

An Unthinkable Danger

The danger was obvious. If Kennedy, or his Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, had fired against the other side, a series of worldwide atomic attacks followed by retaliatory strikes would have ensued, plunging humanity toward all-out oblivion.

This pivotal 1962 event has been covered extensively, in books, movies, and TV documentaries. However, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" presents an unprecedented element into this historical narrative. It is jointly hosted by Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the men that, for two tense weeks, controlled the fate of the world in their hands.

"What was the Kremlin considering? What was Washington planning?" questions Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter and an academic specializing in international affairs.

For her, the strength of the show lies in its endeavor to question: "Why do individuals hate each other and oppose one another?"

"I am acutely aware how profound the fact that people can be friends or else have the potential to be total adversaries," remarks Max Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and currently an author and attorney. "History shows this over and over when countries enter into conflict, demonstrating the profound irrationality involved to engage in warfare."

A Precipice of Catastrophe

What’s remarkable about the Cuban missile crisis was that, because it transpired in the global spotlight, individuals worldwide could watch almost in real time as it crept closer to catastrophe. However, the threat of destruction was more imminent than what anybody realised.

"Almost all officials among Kennedy's advisors wanted an airstrike and a ground invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans with the naval blockade, it is certain Soviet forces stationed there would have deployed a tactical nuclear weapon at the US Sixth Fleet, which would have destroyed our aircraft carriers as well as sunk our primary fleet. And, the U.S. would have responded through an overwhelming counterattack that would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur is a testament to both leaders, who managed to keep their heads and calmly negotiate at a time when everyone around them was pushing for action. Consequently, Khrushchev removed the nuclear weapons in the Caribbean island while President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) removed American similar weapons based in Turkey. The relief was immense, as was a feeling of hope.

A Different Viewpoint

Yet, for those two weeks in October, the fear was palpable by everyone. The podcast's co-hosts were born in the years following the crisis, and Nina learned about the crisis via the USSR's education system, which portrayed a slightly different version of events.

"You said your parent recalls it, and it was a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "But for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system we were told that things are always wonderful and positive."

Within Khrushchev’s family, though, it was distinct. "I was informed what a great moment it was, because it was eyeball to eyeball. The leaders managed to find a solution, and avoided the war, which was a wonderful outcome," she continues. In the years to come, however, that view was not held by everybody. "For a long time within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a defeat for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up America."

An Unlikely Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed , expertly crafted that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This is, partly, thanks to contributions from historians. But, truly, the most groundbreaking aspect is the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be unthinkable that descendants of the leaders of the United States and USSR to appear side by side. The fact that these two individuals are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth toward one another, has to be a symbol of optimism.

"Max and I are not the first," smiles Nina. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "That is a shame because we connected really well and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Ultimately, following almost six decades since almost destroying the planet, our families have become friends, so I think global relations is more secure, a little bit."

Contemporary Echoes with Present Dangers

Or is it? Part of the reason this series seems so urgent is because we now find ourselves living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight than ever before, in part because today's statesmen don’t seem to have the capacity to comprehend