‘After nearly annihilating our world, the relatives are allies’: a thrilling audio series featuring JFK & Khrushchev’s descendants.

In October 1962, the planet edged closer toward ruin more so than ever during recent history. This occurred following the discovery that an American reconnaissance plane discovered that Russian atomic weapon bases were under construction in the island of Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the United States. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a maritime quarantine around the island. The ensuing period was nearly two weeks filled with extreme stress.

An Unthinkable Threat

The peril was clear. If President Kennedy, or else the Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against the other side, a chain reaction involving global atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes would have ensued, plunging humanity toward all-out destruction.

This pivotal 1962 event has been documented endlessly, through volumes, films, and television programmes. But, in its latest installment, the BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a novel element to this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted by Kennedy's relative alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the figures that, over 13 days, controlled the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Kremlin considering? What were the United States thinking?" asks Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also an academic of global relations.

In her view, the beauty of the podcast is its attempt to explore: "Why do nations hate each other to the point they oppose each other?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular it is that humans can be allies or else have the potential to be complete adversaries," remarks Max Kennedy, son of RFK, nephew of JFK and now a writer as well as lawyer. "We see this repeatedly in instances where countries have gone to war, demonstrating the sheer folly it is to fight."

A Brink Towards Catastrophe

What’s striking about the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it transpired in the global spotlight, citizens globally were able to observe almost in real time as it edged towards armageddon. Even so, the danger of annihilation came closer than what most people understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike and an invasion," says Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans with the Sixth Fleet, there is no question Soviet forces stationed there would have launched a nuclear warhead at the American ships, which would have obliterated our naval vessels and sunk our largest and most important fleet. And, the U.S. would have responded through massive retaliation that would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of both leaders, they managed to remain calm and engaging in diplomacy when hawkish elements in their governments were advocating action. As a result, Khrushchev removed the missiles from Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was immense, matched by the sense of optimism.

A Different Viewpoint

Still, for those 13 days of October 1962, the fear was felt globally. The Bomb’s presenters came into the world shortly after the crisis, with Nina being taught about it via the USSR's education system, which presented an alternative picture of events.

"You said your parent remembers it, and it was a scary day," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware that much about it, since it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always wonderful and sunny."

Within the Khrushchev household, however, the perspective was distinct. "I was informed what a great occasion it was, as it was a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, thus didn’t start the war, seen as a wonderful thing," she adds. Subsequently, though, that view would not be shared by all Russians. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a defeat for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up America."

An Unprecedented Collaboration

This podcast is remarkably balanced , well produced so much so that Nina jokes it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This effect is, partly, thanks to contributions from historians. But, really, the most momentous aspect remains the participation of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be inconceivable for relatives of the heads of state of America and the Soviet Union would appear together publicly. That these two individuals can do that, and be so warm toward one another, has to be a symbol of hope.

"Max and I aren't the pioneers," notes Nina. "After 1991, a relative moved to America and became great friends with the former president's family."

"But we were strangers prior to this project," adds Max. "Which is a shame since we got along really well and now we are friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, following nearly six decades since almost destroying the world, our families have become allies, suggesting global relations is safer, a little bit."

Modern Parallels and Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of why this series feels so necessary is because we now are living in a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to catastrophe in its history, in part because world leaders appear not to have the capacity to comprehend