Following almost destroying the planet, our families have become allies’: a thrilling audio series featuring John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s relatives.

In the month of October 1962, the planet came closer toward ruin than at any other point in modern times. This occurred after an American reconnaissance plane discovered that Russian nuclear weapon bases were being assembled in the island of Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of American soil. In response, President John F Kennedy ordered a naval task force to enact a maritime blockade around Cuba. The next phase constituted almost 14 days filled with impossible anxiety.

An Catastrophic Danger

The danger remained palpable. Should Kennedy, or else his Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against the other side, a series involving global nuclear strikes followed by counterstrikes could have ensued, thrusting mankind into total ruination.

The October crisis has been examined extensively, in books, movies, as well as TV documentaries. But, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a novel dimension to this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted by Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, family members belonging to the figures who, for two tense weeks, grasped the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Russians considering? What was the United States thinking?" ponders Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant who is also a professor specializing in global relations.

In her view, the unique appeal of the podcast is its attempt to explore: "How can individuals detest one another to the point they confront each other?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable the fact that individuals can be friends or else can become total enemies," adds Max Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and currently an author and attorney. "History shows this over and over when countries have gone to war, demonstrating how unbelievably stupid involved to engage in warfare."

The Precipice of Disaster

What’s striking about this event is that, because it transpired in the global spotlight, individuals globally were able to observe almost in real time while it moved closer to disaster. Nonetheless, the threat of annihilation came closer than what anybody understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House were advocating for an airstrike and an invasion," says Kennedy. "If we had struck Cuba with the naval blockade, there is no question Soviet forces on the ground would've fired a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, and that would've obliterated the aircraft carriers and destroyed America's largest and most important fleet. In turn, we would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in exercise restraint while engaging in diplomacy when everyone in their governments demanded action. As a result, The Soviet premier removed the nuclear weapons in Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported at the time) withdrew American missiles based in Turkey. The sense of relief was worldwide, as was a feeling of hope.

A Divergent Viewpoint

Yet, during those 13 days in October, the fear was felt by everyone. The podcast's presenters came into the world in the years following the crisis, and Nina being taught about it via the USSR's education system, which presented a slightly different version of events.

"You said your parent recalls it, and it was a scary day," she says. "But in the Soviet Union, people were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that things are always wonderful and sunny."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, it was different. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, because it was a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, and avoided a global war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she adds. In the years to come, however, that view was not shared by everybody. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up America."

A Unlikely Partnership

This podcast is so balanced and expertly crafted so much so that Khrushcheva quips it almost made her forget the known the ending. This is, in part, due to the participation of renowned scholars. But, truly, the most groundbreaking aspect is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be inconceivable that relatives of the leaders of America and Soviet Union to appear together publicly. The fact that these two individuals can do that, and be so warm toward one another, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.

"We aren't the first," smiles Khrushcheva. "Following 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son and became great friends with the former president's family."

"However we had never met prior to this project," adds Kennedy. "That is unfortunate because we connected really well and we’re friends, which is really great. Finally, after almost 60 years since nearly annihilating the world, our lineages have become allies, so I think global relations is more secure, a little bit."

Contemporary Echoes and Current Perils

Or is it? One reason the reason The Bomb seems so urgent is because we once again find ourselves in dark times. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to midnight than ever before, in part because world leaders appear not to be able to comprehend