‘After almost annihilating the world, the relatives are friends’: a thrilling podcast featuring John F. Kennedy & Nikita Khrushchev’s descendants.

In October 1962, the world came closer to destruction than at any other point during the contemporary era. This transpired when an American reconnaissance aircraft discovered that Russian atomic missile bases were being assembled in the island of Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the United States. Reacting to this, President John F Kennedy directed a naval task force to establish a maritime quarantine encircling the island. What followed was nearly two weeks filled with extreme stress.

An Catastrophic Danger

The peril was palpable. If Kennedy, or his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, had fired against the other side, a series of worldwide nuclear strikes followed by retaliatory strikes might have ensued, plunging mankind toward total destruction.

The October crisis has been examined extensively, through volumes, movies, as well as TV documentaries. However, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb introduces a completely new element into the story. It is co-presented by Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, family members of the figures who, over two tense weeks, controlled the destiny of the world in their hands.

"What were the Russians thinking? What were the American side planning?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter and a professor specializing in global relations.

For her, the unique appeal of the show lies in its endeavor to question: "Why do individuals detest one another to the point they oppose one another?"

"It struck me how remarkable it is that individuals have the potential to be friends or else can become complete adversaries," states Max Kennedy, son of RFK, nephew of the late president and currently a writer as well as attorney. "History shows this over and over in instances where nations enter into conflict, and it just illustrates how unbelievably stupid it is to engage in warfare."

A Precipice of Catastrophe

What’s remarkable about this event was that, because it unfolded so publicly, individuals around the world were able to observe nearly as it happened as it moved closer to catastrophe. Nonetheless, the risk of destruction came closer than most people realised.

"Almost all officials among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike and an invasion," explains Max Kennedy. "If we had struck Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would've deployed a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, which would have obliterated our naval vessels and sunk America's primary fleet. In turn, the U.S. would have retaliated through massive retaliation that would have ended all life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur is a testament to both leaders, who succeeded in keep their heads and calmly negotiate when hawkish elements around them were advocating military action. Consequently, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles in the Caribbean island and Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, matched by the sense of hope.

The Different Perspective

Yet, for those 13 days of October 1962, the tension was palpable globally. The Bomb’s presenters were born shortly after these events, with Nina learned about it via the Soviet education system, which presented an alternative picture of events.

"As you mentioned your father recalls it, and it was a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know a great deal about it, since it was a tense situation, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that things are constantly fine and sunny."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, it was distinct. "They told me what a great occasion it was, because it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to resolve it, thus didn’t start the war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she adds. Later on, however, that view would not be held by all Russians. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, the crisis was viewed as a defeat for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying America."

An Unprecedented Partnership

This podcast is so balanced , expertly crafted that Nina jokes she nearly forgot the known the ending. This effect is, in part, due to the participation of historians. But, really, the most momentous thing remains the involvement of the descendants. Not so long ago, it was unthinkable for descendants of the heads of state of America and the Soviet Union would appear side by side. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a sign of optimism.

"We aren't the first," smiles Khrushcheva. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative moved to America and formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we were strangers before the podcast," clarifies Max. "Which is a shame because we connected really well and we’re friends, something that is really great. Finally, after almost six decades since almost destroying the planet, our lineages have become allies, so I think the world is safer, a little bit."

Modern Parallels and Current Perils

Or is it? One reason why The Bomb feels so necessary is that we now are living in dark times. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to learn