‘After almost destroying our planet, the relatives have become friends’: a gripping audio series from JFK & Khrushchev’s descendants.

In October 1962, the world came nearer toward annihilation more so than ever during modern times. This transpired after an American reconnaissance aircraft discovered the fact that Soviet atomic weapon sites were being built on Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of the United States. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy ordered a naval task force to establish a naval quarantine encircling Cuba. The next phase constituted nearly 14 days filled with impossible anxiety.

The Unthinkable Threat

The threat remained obvious. If Kennedy, or else his Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, initiated an attack against the other side, a chain reaction of worldwide nuclear strikes followed by retaliatory strikes might have followed, thrusting mankind toward all-out ruination.

The October crisis has been examined endlessly, through volumes, movies, as well as television programmes. However, in its latest installment, the BBC World Service podcast The Bomb introduces a completely new perspective to this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted by Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives of the figures that, for two tense weeks, held the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Soviet side planning? What were Washington considering?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also a professor of global relations.

In her view, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its endeavor to question: "Why do people detest each other to the point they go against one another?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable the fact that people have the potential to be friends or else can become complete adversaries," states Max Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and currently an author and lawyer. "History shows this dynamic repeatedly in instances where nations enter into conflict, and it just illustrates how unbelievably stupid it is to engage in warfare."

A Precipice Towards Catastrophe

What is notable regarding the Cuban missile crisis is that, because it unfolded so publicly, citizens globally could watch almost as it happened while it edged towards catastrophe. Even so, the threat of destruction was more imminent than what anybody understood at the time.

"Virtually everyone among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike followed by a ground invasion," explains Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the naval blockade, there is no question the Russians stationed there would've fired a nuclear warhead at the US Sixth Fleet, and that would have destroyed our naval vessels and destroyed America's largest and most important naval force. And, the U.S. would have responded through an overwhelming counterattack that would have eradicated most life on the planet."

The fact it didn’t stands as credit to Kennedy and Khrushchev, they managed to remain calm while engaging in diplomacy at a time when many advisors around them demanded military action. As a result, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles from Cuba while President Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was immense, as was a feeling of hope.

A Divergent Viewpoint

Still, during those two weeks of October 1962, the fear was palpable by everyone. The Bomb’s presenters came into the world shortly after the crisis, and Nina being taught about the crisis through the Soviet education system, which presented an alternative narrative of events.

"As you mentioned your father remembers it, describing it as a frightening day," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, people really didn’t know a great deal regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system we were told that things are always wonderful and sunny."

Within the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was distinct. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, as it was eyeball to eyeball. The leaders managed to resolve it, thus avoided the war, seen as a positive thing," she continues. Later on, though, that perspective would not be held by everybody. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for Khrushchev, simply he refrained from destroying America."

A Unlikely Partnership

The Bomb is so even-handed , expertly crafted that Nina jokes it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This is, in part, thanks to contributions from renowned scholars. But, really, the most groundbreaking thing remains the involvement of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be unthinkable that relatives of the heads of state of America and the USSR to appear side by side. That these two individuals are able to do so, and be so warm toward one another, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.

"We aren't the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "Following 1991, my uncle moved to America where he formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"However we were strangers before the podcast," clarifies Max. "That is unfortunate because we connected immediately and now we’re friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, after nearly 60 years of almost destroying the planet, our lineages have become allies, so I think the world is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Echoes with Current Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of why this series feels so necessary is that we once again are living living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe in its history, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to grasp