‘After almost destroying our world, the relatives have become friends’: the gripping audio series from John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, humanity came closer toward destruction more so than ever during recent history. This occurred following the discovery that a US reconnaissance plane found that Russian atomic missile sites were under construction on the island of Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of the US mainland. Reacting to this, President John F Kennedy directed the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to enact a naval quarantine around Cuba. What followed was nearly two weeks filled with extreme tension.

The Catastrophic Danger

The danger remained clear. If Kennedy, or his Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire against their enemy, a cascade involving global atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes would have followed, thrusting mankind into total ruination.

The October crisis has been covered repeatedly, through volumes, films, as well as television programmes. But, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces an unprecedented dimension into the story. The series is co-presented featuring Max Kennedy alongside Khrushchev's descendant, relatives of the men that, for 13 days, grasped the fate of humanity within their grasp.

"What were the Russians planning? What were the United States planning?" questions Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant and a professor specializing in international affairs.

For her, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its attempt to explore: "Why do people detest one another to the point they oppose each other?"

"It was not lost on me how remarkable the fact that people can be allies or have the potential to be complete enemies," states Max Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of the late president and now a writer as well as attorney. "History shows this over and over in instances where nations enter into conflict, highlighting the profound irrationality involved to engage in warfare."

A Brink Towards Catastrophe

What’s notable about this event was that, because it transpired so publicly, individuals worldwide were able to observe almost as it happened as it edged towards armageddon. Even so, the threat of destruction came closer than what anybody realised.

"Almost all officials in the White House wanted a military strike followed by a ground invasion," explains Kennedy. "If we had attacked Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, it is certain the Russians stationed there would've launched a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, which would have sunk our aircraft carriers as well as destroyed our primary fleet. And, we would have responded with massive retaliation which would have eradicated most life on the planet."

The fact it didn’t stands as credit to both leaders, they succeeded in keep their heads while calmly negotiate at a time when hawkish elements around them were advocating military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the nuclear weapons from the Caribbean island while Kennedy (although not reported then) removed American missiles based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, matched by a feeling of hope.

A Different Perspective

Still, during those two weeks in October, the anxiety was palpable globally. The Bomb’s presenters came into the world in the years following these events, and Khrushcheva being taught about it via the USSR's education system, which presented an alternative narrative of what happened.

"You said your father remembers it, and it was a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware that much about it, because it was a tense situation, whereas under the Soviet system we were told that things are always wonderful and sunny."

Within the Khrushchev household, however, 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 resolve it, thus didn’t start a global war, which was a wonderful thing," she adds. Subsequently, however, that interpretation would not be held by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a defeat for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unprecedented Collaboration

The Bomb is so balanced , expertly crafted so much so that Khrushcheva quips she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This effect is, partly, due to the participation of historians. Yet, truly, the most momentous thing is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable that descendants of the heads of state of America and USSR would appear together publicly. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and be so warm toward one another, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.

"We aren't the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we were strangers before the podcast," adds Max. "That is unfortunate since we got along immediately and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after almost 60 years since nearly annihilating the world, our families are now allies, so I think global relations is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Echoes and Current Perils

Is that truly the case? One reason the reason The Bomb seems so urgent is because we once again find ourselves in dark times. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since world leaders don’t seem to have the capacity to grasp