‘After nearly annihilating the world, our relatives have become allies’: the thrilling audio series from John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, the world edged closer to destruction more so than ever in modern times. This happened after an American reconnaissance plane found the fact that Soviet nuclear weapon sites were under construction on Cuba, less than 100 miles off the coast of the United States. Reacting to this, U.S. President John F Kennedy ordered a naval task force to establish a maritime blockade encircling Cuba. The ensuing period was nearly 14 days of extreme stress.

The Unthinkable Danger

The threat remained obvious. If President Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a chain reaction involving worldwide nuclear strikes followed by retaliatory strikes might have ensued, casting civilization toward total destruction.

The October crisis has been documented repeatedly, through volumes, films, and TV documentaries. However, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb has brought a completely new element to this historical narrative. It is jointly hosted by Kennedy's relative and Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the figures that, over 13 days, controlled the fate of humanity in their hands.

"What were the Russians planning? What was Washington thinking?" questions Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter and an academic specializing in global relations.

For her, the strength of the show lies in its attempt to explore: "How can nations hate one another to the point they confront each other?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable the fact that people can be friends or can become total adversaries," states Max Kennedy, the son of RFK, related to JFK and now an author as well as lawyer. "History shows this dynamic repeatedly in instances where nations enter into conflict, highlighting the profound irrationality it is to engage in warfare."

The Precipice Towards Catastrophe

What’s notable about the Cuban missile crisis is that, because it unfolded in the global spotlight, people globally could watch nearly in real time while it edged closer to armageddon. Even so, the threat of destruction came closer than what most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House were advocating for a military strike and an invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians on the ground would've launched a nuclear warhead against the US Sixth Fleet, which would've destroyed the naval vessels as well as destroyed our primary naval force. In turn, we would have responded through massive retaliation which would have eradicated all life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur stands as credit to both leaders, they managed to keep their heads and engaging in diplomacy at a time when hawkish elements around them were advocating military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles from the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed his similar weapons from Turkey. The relief was immense, as was a feeling of optimism.

The Different Viewpoint

Yet, for those 13 days in October, the fear was palpable globally. The podcast's co-hosts were born shortly after these events, and Khrushcheva learned about the crisis through the USSR's school curriculum, which portrayed an alternative version of events.

"You said your parent recalls it, describing it as a scary day," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was constantly wonderful or sunny."

Within Khrushchev’s family, though, it was distinct. "They told me what a great moment it was, because it was eyeball to eyeball. The leaders managed to resolve it, and didn’t start a global war, which was a wonderful outcome," she adds. In the years to come, though, that view would not be shared by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up America."

A Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably balanced and expertly crafted that Nina quips it almost made her forget the known outcome. This effect is, partly, due to the participation of renowned scholars. But, really, the most momentous aspect remains the involvement of the descendants. Not so long ago, it was unthinkable that relatives of the heads of state of America 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. "After 1991, a relative moved to America where he became great friends with the former president's family."

"But we had never met before the podcast," adds Kennedy. "That is unfortunate since we connected immediately and now we are friends, something that is wonderful. Ultimately, after nearly six decades of almost destroying the world, our lineages have become friends, suggesting global relations is safer, a little bit."

Contemporary Echoes and Current Dangers

Is that truly the case? One reason why The Bomb seems so urgent is that we now find ourselves in dark times. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to midnight than ever before, in part because today's statesmen appear not to be able to learn