‘After almost annihilating the world, our relatives are allies’: a gripping podcast from JFK and Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, the world came closer to annihilation than at any other point during modern times. This occurred when a US surveillance plane discovered the fact that Soviet atomic missile bases were being built on the island of Cuba, less than 160 kilometers from the United States. In response, U.S. President JFK ordered a naval task force to impose a maritime quarantine around the island. The next phase constituted nearly two weeks of unbearable anxiety.

The Catastrophic Danger

The peril was obvious. If Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired against their enemy, a series involving global nuclear attacks and retaliatory strikes might have followed, casting mankind into all-out destruction.

The October crisis has been examined repeatedly, in books, movies, and television programmes. But, for its third season, a prominent audio documentary series The Bomb introduces a novel perspective to the story. It is co-presented featuring Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the leaders that, over 13 days, controlled the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

"What was the Russians considering? What were Washington planning?" questions Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter and an academic specializing in global relations.

For her, the unique appeal of the show lies in its endeavor to explore: "Why do people hate one another and go against each other?"

"It was not lost on me how profound the fact that individuals have the potential to be allies or else can become complete enemies," adds Max Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of the late president and currently a writer as well as attorney. "We see this dynamic over and over when nations enter into conflict, demonstrating the profound irrationality it is to fight."

A Brink Towards Catastrophe

What is notable regarding the Cuban missile crisis is that, because it unfolded so publicly, citizens globally could watch nearly as it happened while it moved towards armageddon. Even so, the risk of destruction was more imminent than most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for a military strike followed by an invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans using the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians on the ground would've deployed a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, which would've obliterated our naval vessels as well as destroyed our largest and most important fleet. In turn, we would have retaliated through an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated most life on the planet."

The fact it didn’t stands as credit to Kennedy and Khrushchev, they succeeded in keep their heads while engaging in diplomacy when hawkish elements around them was pushing for military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the missiles in Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported at the time) withdrew his similar weapons from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, matched by a feeling of hope.

The Divergent Perspective

Still, for those 13 days of October 1962, the tension was palpable by everyone. The Bomb’s presenters came into the world shortly after the crisis, and Nina being taught about the crisis via the Soviet education system, which presented a slightly different narrative of what happened.

"You said your father remembers it, describing it as a scary time," Khrushcheva notes. "But in the Soviet Union, people were largely unaware that much about it, since it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always wonderful or positive."

Within Khrushchev’s family, however, the perspective was distinct. "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 didn’t start a global war, which was a wonderful outcome," she continues. Subsequently, though, that perspective was not shared by all Russians. "For a long time within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a defeat for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unlikely Collaboration

This podcast is remarkably balanced and expertly crafted that Nina jokes she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This is, partly, thanks to contributions from historians. Yet, really, the most momentous thing is the participation of the descendants. Even within living memory, it would be inconceivable that descendants of the leaders of America and Soviet Union to appear together publicly. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and exhibit such warmth toward one another, must be seen as a symbol of progress.

"Max and I are not the pioneers," notes Khrushcheva. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative moved to America and became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met prior to this project," adds Kennedy. "That is a shame because we got along immediately and we are friends, something that is really great. Ultimately, following nearly six decades since almost destroying the world, our lineages are now allies, suggesting the world is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Echoes with Current Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of the reason this series seems so urgent is because we once again find ourselves living through a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to midnight in its history, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to comprehend