Following almost destroying the world, the families have become allies’: the thrilling podcast from John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s relatives.

In the month of October 1962, humanity veered nearer toward annihilation than at any other point during recent history. This occurred when an American reconnaissance plane found the fact that Russian atomic missile bases were being built on the island of Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the US mainland. Reacting to this, President JFK directed the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to impose a maritime quarantine around the island. The ensuing period constituted nearly a fortnight filled with extreme anxiety.

The Unthinkable Danger

The threat was clear. If President Kennedy, or else his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack on the other side, a series involving global atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes would have followed, plunging civilization into all-out destruction.

This pivotal 1962 event has been covered endlessly, through volumes, films, and television programmes. But, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb presents a novel perspective into this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted featuring Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the leaders that, over 13 days, held the destiny of humanity in their hands.

"What were the Russians planning? What was Washington considering?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also a professor specializing in global relations.

In her view, the beauty of the show lies in its endeavor to objectively ask: "How can individuals hate each other to the point they confront each other?"

"It was not lost on me how profound it is that people can be friends or else have the potential to be complete enemies," adds Max Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and currently a writer as well as lawyer. "History shows this dynamic over and over in instances where nations enter into conflict, demonstrating the sheer folly involved to fight."

The Precipice of Catastrophe

What is remarkable regarding the Cuban missile crisis is that, because it transpired in the global spotlight, individuals globally were able to observe almost in real time as it moved towards disaster. However, the risk of annihilation was more imminent than anybody realised.

"Almost all officials among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike followed by an invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the Sixth Fleet, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would have deployed a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, and that would've sunk our naval vessels and sunk America's largest and most important naval force. In turn, we would have retaliated with massive retaliation that would have eradicated all life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur stands as credit to both leaders, who managed to keep their heads while calmly negotiate at a time when hawkish elements around them were advocating military action. As a result, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles from Cuba and President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed at the time) removed his similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, as was a feeling of optimism.

A Different Viewpoint

Yet, for those 13 days of October 1962, the anxiety was palpable by everyone. The Bomb’s presenters were born in the years following the crisis, with Nina being taught about the crisis through the Soviet school curriculum, which portrayed a slightly different narrative of events.

"As you mentioned your parent recalls it, and it was a scary day," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, because it was a tense situation, whereas in the Soviet Union the official line was that things are always fine and positive."

Within Khrushchev’s family, however, the perspective was distinct. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion it was, as it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and avoided the war, which was a wonderful outcome," she adds. In the years to come, however, that interpretation was not held by all Russians. "For a long time within Russian historical analysis, the crisis was viewed as a setback for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up America."

A Unprecedented Partnership

This podcast is so even-handed , expertly crafted that Nina jokes she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This effect is, in part, thanks to the participation of historians. But, really, the most momentous thing is the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable for descendants of the leaders of the United States and the USSR would appear together publicly. That these two individuals can do that, and exhibit such warmth with each other, has to be a symbol of progress.

"We are not the first," notes Nina. "Following 1991, my uncle moved to America where he became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met before the podcast," adds Kennedy. "Which is a shame since we got along immediately and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after nearly six decades since almost destroying the world, our families are now allies, suggesting the world is safer, somewhat."

Contemporary Echoes with Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of why The Bomb seems so urgent is because we once again are living in dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since world leaders appear not to be able to grasp