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

During the month of October 1962, the world veered closer toward destruction than at any other point during recent history. This transpired when an American surveillance plane discovered that Russian atomic missile bases were being assembled in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from American soil. In response, President JFK ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to establish a maritime quarantine encircling the island. What followed was almost two weeks filled with unbearable anxiety.

The Unthinkable Threat

The peril was palpable. If Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired on their enemy, a cascade involving worldwide atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes might have followed, plunging mankind toward all-out destruction.

The October crisis has been documented extensively, through volumes, films, as well as TV documentaries. But, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series The Bomb introduces a completely new dimension to the story. The series is co-presented by Max Kennedy alongside Khrushchev's descendant, family members belonging to the figures that, over two tense weeks, grasped the destiny of the world within their grasp.

"What were the Soviet side considering? What were Washington considering?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant who is also an academic specializing in international affairs.

In her view, the strength of the show lies in its attempt to explore: "Why do individuals detest each other and go against each other?"

"It struck me how remarkable it is that individuals can be friends or have the potential to be complete adversaries," remarks Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and now an author as well as attorney. "We see this dynamic over and over when nations have gone to war, highlighting the sheer folly involved to engage in warfare."

The Precipice of Disaster

What’s striking about this event was that, since it transpired in the global spotlight, individuals worldwide could watch nearly as it happened while it moved closer to catastrophe. Even so, the danger of annihilation was more imminent than what most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike followed by a ground invasion," notes Kennedy. "If we had struck Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would've launched a nuclear warhead at the American ships, which would have sunk our aircraft carriers and destroyed our largest and most important fleet. And, the U.S. would have responded through massive retaliation that would have eradicated all life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of both leaders, they managed to remain calm and engaging in diplomacy when everyone in their governments were advocating action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the nuclear weapons in the Caribbean island and Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed at the time) withdrew his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was immense, as was a feeling of optimism.

The Different Perspective

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the anxiety was felt globally. The podcast's presenters came into the world in the years following these events, with Khrushcheva learned about it via the USSR's education system, which portrayed a slightly different picture of what happened.

"You said your father recalls it, describing it as a scary time," she says. "But in the Soviet Union, people were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always fine or positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, however, the perspective was different. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion it was, as it was eyeball to eyeball. The leaders managed to find a solution, and didn’t start the war, which was a positive outcome," she continues. Later on, though, that perspective would not be held by everybody. "For a long time in Russian politics, the crisis was viewed as a failure for the Soviet leader, simply he refrained from destroying America."

An Unprecedented Partnership

This podcast is remarkably even-handed , expertly crafted that Nina jokes it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This effect is, partly, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. Yet, truly, the most significant aspect remains the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it was unthinkable that descendants of the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union to appear side by side. The fact that these two individuals can do that, and be so warm with each other, has to be a symbol of progress.

"Max and I are not the first," smiles Nina. "Following 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son and became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we had never met before the podcast," adds Max. "That is unfortunate because we connected really well and we are friends, something that is really great. Finally, following almost six decades of nearly annihilating the planet, our families have become friends, so I think global relations is more secure, somewhat."

Modern Echoes and Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is that we once again are living living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to midnight than ever before, partly since today's statesmen appear not to have the capacity to comprehend