‘After almost destroying the planet, the families have become friends’: a thrilling audio series featuring John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s relatives.

In October 1962, humanity edged closer to annihilation than at any other point during modern times. This happened when an American reconnaissance aircraft identified the fact that Russian atomic missile installations were being built in the island of Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of the United States. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy directed a naval task force to impose a maritime quarantine around the island. The next phase constituted nearly a fortnight filled with unbearable tension.

The Unthinkable Threat

The threat remained clear. Should Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire on their enemy, a series involving worldwide atomic attacks followed by retaliatory strikes might have ensued, casting mankind toward total oblivion.

This pivotal 1962 event has been documented extensively, through volumes, movies, and TV documentaries. But, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb introduces a novel dimension into the story. The series is jointly hosted featuring Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the figures who, over two tense weeks, controlled the fate of humanity in their hands.

"What was the Kremlin planning? What was Washington planning?" asks Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's descendant and a professor specializing in international affairs.

In her view, the unique appeal of the show lies in its endeavor to objectively ask: "How can people detest one another to the point they confront each other?"

"I am acutely aware how profound the fact that humans can be allies or else can become total adversaries," adds Max Kennedy, son of RFK, nephew of JFK and now a writer and lawyer. "We see this dynamic over and over when countries enter into conflict, highlighting the profound irrationality involved to fight."

The Brink Towards Catastrophe

What’s remarkable about this event was that, because it unfolded so publicly, citizens around the world were able to observe nearly as it happened while it edged towards armageddon. Even so, the threat of annihilation was more imminent than what most people realised.

"Almost all officials in the White House were advocating for an airstrike followed by a ground invasion," says Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba with the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians on the ground would've deployed a tactical nuclear weapon at the US Sixth Fleet, which would've obliterated our aircraft carriers as well as sunk our largest and most important naval force. In turn, we would have retaliated through massive retaliation that would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The fact it didn’t is a testament to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who managed to exercise restraint and calmly negotiate at a time when hawkish elements around them were advocating action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons from Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported then) removed his missiles from Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, matched by a feeling of optimism.

A Divergent Viewpoint

Yet, for those 13 days in October, the anxiety was felt by everyone. The podcast's presenters came into the world in the years following these events, and Nina learned about the crisis through the USSR's education system, which portrayed an alternative version of what happened.

"As you mentioned your father recalls it, describing it as a scary time," Khrushcheva notes. "However in the Soviet Union, people really didn’t know a great deal about it, because it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always wonderful or positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was different. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion it was, as it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to resolve it, and didn’t start the war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she continues. Later on, though, that interpretation would not be held by everybody. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, simply he refrained from destroying America."

An Unprecedented Partnership

This podcast is remarkably even-handed and expertly crafted so much so that Nina jokes she nearly forgot she already knew the ending. This effect is, in part, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. But, truly, the most momentous thing is the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it would be unthinkable that descendants of the leaders of the United States and the USSR would appear side by side. That these two individuals can do that, and be so warm with each other, has to be a symbol of optimism.

"Max and I aren't the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America and formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"But we had never met prior to this project," adds Kennedy. "Which is a shame because we got along really well and we’re friends, which is really great. Ultimately, following almost 60 years since nearly annihilating the planet, our lineages are now allies, suggesting global relations is safer, somewhat."

Modern Echoes and Current Perils

Is that truly the case? Part of why this series feels so necessary is because we now are living living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight in its history, in part because world leaders don’t seem to be able to learn