‘After nearly destroying the world, our relatives have become friends’: a gripping audio series featuring JFK & Khrushchev’s relatives.

In the month of October 1962, the planet edged nearer toward ruin more so than ever in modern times. This transpired when a US reconnaissance aircraft discovered the fact that Soviet nuclear missile sites were being assembled on the island of Cuba, less than 100 miles from the US mainland. Reacting to this, President JFK directed the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to establish a maritime blockade around the island. The next phase was almost two weeks filled with extreme anxiety.

The Catastrophic Danger

The danger was obvious. Should President Kennedy, or his Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a series involving global atomic attacks followed by retaliatory strikes could have followed, plunging mankind toward all-out oblivion.

This pivotal 1962 event has been documented extensively, in books, movies, as well as TV documentaries. But, in its latest installment, the BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" presents an unprecedented element to the story. The series is co-presented featuring Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the men who, for two tense weeks, grasped the destiny of the world in their hands.

"What was the Kremlin considering? What was the United States thinking?" asks Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also an academic of global relations.

In her view, the beauty of the podcast lies in its endeavor to explore: "Why do individuals hate one another and go against one another?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable it is that individuals can be allies or can become complete adversaries," states Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and now a writer as well as lawyer. "History shows this over and over in instances where nations enter into conflict, demonstrating how unbelievably stupid involved to engage in warfare."

A Precipice Towards Disaster

What’s remarkable about this event was that, because it unfolded so publicly, individuals worldwide were able to observe nearly as it happened while it edged towards catastrophe. However, the threat of destruction was more imminent than anybody realised.

"Almost all officials among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike followed by a ground invasion," explains Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians stationed there would have deployed a tactical nuclear weapon against the American ships, and that would have sunk the naval vessels as well as 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 this did not occur is a testament to both leaders, they succeeded in exercise restraint and engaging in diplomacy when everyone in their governments were advocating military action. Consequently, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles from the Caribbean island and Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed at the time) withdrew his similar weapons from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was immense, matched by a feeling of optimism.

A Different Perspective

Yet, during those two weeks of October 1962, the tension was palpable globally. The Bomb’s presenters were born in the years following these events, with Nina learned about the crisis via the Soviet school curriculum, which portrayed a slightly different picture of events.

"You said your parent remembers it, and it was a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "But for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, because it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system the official line was that everything was always wonderful or sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, however, it was distinct. "I was informed what a great occasion it was, as it was a direct confrontation. They were able to resolve it, thus didn’t start the war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she continues. Later on, though, that view was not shared by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a setback for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unprecedented Partnership

This podcast is so balanced and well produced so much so that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget the known outcome. This effect is, partly, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. But, really, the most momentous thing is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable for descendants of the leaders of America and Soviet Union would appear side by side. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth toward one another, must be seen as a sign of progress.

"We aren't the first," smiles Khrushcheva. "Following 1991, my uncle moved to America where he became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we had never met before the podcast," clarifies Max. "Which is a shame since we connected really well and now we are friends, which is really great. Ultimately, following nearly 60 years of almost destroying the planet, our families have become allies, so I think global relations is more secure, a little bit."

Contemporary Echoes with Current Perils

Or is it? Part of the reason this series feels so necessary is that we now find ourselves in a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe in its history, partly since world leaders don’t seem to be able to grasp