Following nearly destroying the world, our families have become allies’: a gripping audio series from JFK & Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, humanity came closer to destruction more so than ever during recent history. This occurred when a US reconnaissance aircraft found the fact that Soviet atomic missile sites were under construction on the island of Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the United States. Reacting to this, U.S. President John F Kennedy commanded a naval task force to establish a maritime quarantine around the island. The next phase constituted almost two weeks filled with unbearable anxiety.

An Catastrophic Threat

The peril remained obvious. If President Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire on their enemy, a chain reaction involving global atomic strikes followed by counterstrikes would have ensued, plunging humanity toward total oblivion.

This pivotal 1962 event has been documented repeatedly, in books, films, and television programmes. But, in its latest installment, the BBC World Service podcast The Bomb introduces an unprecedented element to the story. It is jointly hosted featuring Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the leaders who, over two tense weeks, controlled the fate of humanity in their hands.

"What was the Soviet side considering? What were Washington thinking?" asks Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also an academic specializing in global relations.

In her view, the unique appeal of the show is its endeavor to explore: "Why do nations detest each other and oppose one another?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable the fact that people can be friends or else can become complete enemies," remarks Max Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, related to the late president and currently a writer as well as attorney. "We see this over and over in instances where nations enter into conflict, and it just illustrates the sheer folly it is to engage in warfare."

A Precipice Towards Disaster

What is striking regarding this event is that, since it transpired so publicly, people around the world were able to observe nearly as it happened while it moved towards catastrophe. Nonetheless, the danger of destruction came closer than most people understood at the time.

"Virtually everyone among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for a military strike followed by an invasion," notes Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans with the naval blockade, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would've launched a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, and that would have sunk the naval vessels as well as destroyed America's primary naval force. And, the U.S. would have responded through an overwhelming counterattack that would have eradicated all life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur is a testament to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in remain calm while engaging in diplomacy at a time when many advisors around them were advocating military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles from Cuba and Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his missiles based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was immense, as was the sense of optimism.

A Different Viewpoint

Yet, for those 13 days of October 1962, the fear was felt globally. The Bomb’s presenters were born in the years following these events, with Nina being taught about the crisis via the Soviet school curriculum, which painted an alternative narrative of what happened.

"As you mentioned your father remembers it, describing it as a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "However in the Soviet Union, people were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, since it was a tense situation, whereas under the Soviet system the official line was that everything was constantly fine or positive."

Within the Khrushchev household, however, it was different. "I was informed what a great moment it was, because it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and avoided a global war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she continues. Subsequently, though, that interpretation would not be held by all Russians. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying the United States."

An Unlikely Collaboration

This podcast is so balanced and expertly crafted that Khrushcheva quips she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This is, partly, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. But, truly, the most momentous thing remains the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it was unthinkable for relatives of the leaders of the United States and Soviet Union to appear side by side. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.

"Max and I are not the pioneers," notes Nina. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative moved to America where he formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we were strangers before the podcast," adds Max. "That is a shame because we got along immediately and now we are friends, which is wonderful. Finally, following almost 60 years since nearly annihilating the world, our lineages have become allies, so I think global relations is safer, somewhat."

Modern Parallels and Current Dangers

Or is it? One reason why The Bomb seems so urgent is that we once again find ourselves in dark times. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to midnight than ever before, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to learn