‘After nearly annihilating the planet, the families have become allies’: a thrilling podcast featuring JFK and Khrushchev’s descendants.

In the month of October 1962, humanity came nearer toward annihilation than at any other point in the contemporary era. This transpired after an American surveillance aircraft identified that Soviet atomic weapon installations were being assembled in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the US mainland. In response, President John F Kennedy ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to establish a naval quarantine encircling Cuba. The ensuing period constituted almost a fortnight of extreme stress.

An Catastrophic Threat

The danger was clear. Should President Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire on the other side, a series involving global nuclear strikes and counterstrikes could have ensued, plunging humanity into all-out ruination.

The Cuban missile crisis has been examined endlessly, through books, movies, and TV documentaries. But, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" has brought a completely new perspective into this historical narrative. It is jointly hosted featuring Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, family members of the leaders who, over 13 days, grasped the destiny of the world in their hands.

"What was the Soviet side thinking? What was the American side thinking?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also an academic specializing in international affairs.

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

"It was not lost on me how profound the fact that people can be allies or have the potential to be complete adversaries," adds Kennedy, son of RFK, related to JFK and now a writer as well as lawyer. "We see this dynamic repeatedly in instances where countries enter into conflict, demonstrating the sheer folly it is to fight."

The Brink Towards Catastrophe

What’s notable about this event was that, since it transpired in the global spotlight, citizens worldwide could watch almost as it happened while it edged towards disaster. Nonetheless, the risk of annihilation was more imminent than what most people understood at the time.

"Almost all officials among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike and an invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians on the ground would have launched a tactical nuclear weapon against the American ships, and that would've obliterated our naval vessels and destroyed our primary fleet. In turn, we would have retaliated through massive retaliation which would have eradicated most life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, they managed to exercise restraint and engaging in diplomacy at a time when hawkish elements around them demanded action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the missiles in Cuba and President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was immense, as was a feeling of hope.

The Different Viewpoint

Yet, for those two weeks in October, the fear was palpable by everyone. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born shortly after the crisis, and Khrushcheva learned about the crisis via the USSR's school curriculum, which painted a slightly different picture of what happened.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, describing it as a frightening time," she says. "However in the Soviet Union, people were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, because it was a crisis, whereas under the Soviet system we were told that everything was always wonderful or positive."

Within Khrushchev’s family, though, it was distinct. "I was informed what a great occasion it was, as it represented eyeball to eyeball. The leaders managed to resolve it, thus avoided a global war, which was a wonderful outcome," she adds. In the years to come, however, that interpretation would not be shared by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, the crisis was viewed as a setback for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably balanced , expertly crafted that Khrushcheva quips it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This effect is, in part, due to contributions from historians. Yet, truly, the most significant thing is the participation of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be inconceivable for descendants of the leaders of the United States and Soviet Union to appear side by side. The fact that these two individuals are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth toward one another, has to be a symbol of hope.

"We aren't the first," smiles Khrushcheva. "After 1991, a relative moved to America where he became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we were strangers prior to this project," adds Max. "Which is a shame because we got along really well and now we are friends, which is wonderful. Finally, after nearly six decades since nearly annihilating the world, our families have become friends, suggesting the world is more secure, somewhat."

Modern Parallels and Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of why this series seems so urgent is because we once again find ourselves in a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since world leaders appear not to be able to learn