‘After almost annihilating the planet, our relatives have become friends’: a gripping audio series from John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s descendants.

In October 1962, the world came nearer to ruin more so than ever in recent history. This occurred when a US surveillance aircraft identified the fact that Soviet nuclear missile sites were being built in Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the United States. Reacting to this, President JFK directed a naval task force to enact a naval blockade encircling the island. The next phase constituted almost 14 days of unbearable tension.

An Catastrophic Danger

The threat was clear. Should Kennedy, or his Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a series of worldwide nuclear strikes followed by retaliatory strikes might have followed, thrusting humanity toward all-out destruction.

This pivotal 1962 event has been covered endlessly, in books, movies, as well as television programmes. However, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series The Bomb presents a completely new dimension to this historical narrative. It is co-presented by Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, relatives of the figures that, for 13 days, grasped the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Soviet side planning? What were the American side considering?" asks Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also an academic of global relations.

In her view, the strength of the podcast lies in its attempt to objectively ask: "How can people hate one another and confront one another?"

"It struck me how spectacular it is that people have the potential to be allies or have the potential to be complete enemies," adds Max Kennedy, the son of RFK, nephew of JFK and now an author as well as attorney. "History shows this over and over when countries enter into conflict, demonstrating the profound irrationality it is to engage in warfare."

The Brink of Disaster

What’s notable about the Cuban missile crisis was that, because it transpired so publicly, individuals worldwide were able to observe nearly in real time while it moved closer to catastrophe. Nonetheless, the threat of annihilation came closer than what anybody realised.

"Almost all officials among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike and a ground invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans using the naval blockade, there is no question the Russians stationed there would have fired a tactical nuclear weapon against the American ships, and that would have obliterated our naval vessels as well as sunk America's primary fleet. In turn, we would have responded with massive retaliation that would have ended most life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur is a testament to both leaders, they managed to exercise restraint and engaging in diplomacy at a time when hawkish elements around them was pushing for action. As a result, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles from the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported then) removed his similar weapons from Turkey. The relief was immense, as was a feeling of optimism.

A Different Perspective

Still, during those 13 days of October 1962, the anxiety was palpable by everyone. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born shortly after these events, and Khrushcheva learned about the crisis through the Soviet education system, which presented a slightly different narrative of events.

"You said your father remembers it, and it was a scary time," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, because it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union the official line was that things are constantly fine and positive."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, though, it was different. "They told me that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, as it was a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, thus avoided the war, which was a positive outcome," she continues. Subsequently, though, that interpretation was not held by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, the crisis was viewed as a defeat for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unlikely Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably balanced , expertly crafted so much so that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot she already knew the ending. This effect is, partly, thanks to the participation of historians. But, really, the most groundbreaking thing remains the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it would be unthinkable for relatives of the heads of state of America and the USSR to appear side by side. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and be so warm toward one another, must be seen as a sign of hope.

"We are not the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "After 1991, my uncle moved to America and formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met prior to this project," adds Kennedy. "That is unfortunate since we connected really well and we are friends, something that is really great. Finally, following almost 60 years since nearly annihilating the planet, our families are now allies, suggesting the world is safer, a little bit."

Modern Echoes with Present Dangers

Or is it? One reason the reason this series feels so necessary is because we now find ourselves living through dark times. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to have the capacity to grasp