‘After almost annihilating the world, our families have become allies’: a gripping audio series from JFK & Khrushchev’s descendants.

In the month of October 1962, humanity edged nearer to ruin more so than ever in recent history. This transpired following the discovery that a US surveillance plane identified the fact that Soviet atomic missile bases were being built in Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of the United States. In response, U.S. President John F Kennedy ordered a naval task force to establish a maritime quarantine encircling the island. What followed constituted nearly two weeks filled with extreme tension.

The Catastrophic Threat

The danger remained clear. Should President Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, were to fire against their enemy, a cascade of global nuclear attacks and counterstrikes could have ensued, plunging mankind into total oblivion.

This pivotal 1962 event has been examined extensively, in books, films, and television programmes. However, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb introduces a novel perspective into this historical narrative. It is co-presented featuring Kennedy's relative alongside Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the men that, for two tense weeks, grasped the fate of the planet in their hands.

"What was the Soviet side considering? What were the United States thinking?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter and a professor specializing in global relations.

For her, the unique appeal of the show is its attempt to explore: "Why do individuals detest one another and confront one another?"

"It struck me how remarkable it is that people can be allies or have the potential to be complete adversaries," remarks Max Kennedy, son of RFK, related to JFK and currently an author and attorney. "History shows this repeatedly when countries have gone to war, demonstrating how unbelievably stupid involved to fight."

The Precipice of Catastrophe

What is notable about the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it transpired so publicly, citizens around the world were able to observe nearly in real time as it crept closer to armageddon. However, the risk of destruction came closer than anybody understood at the time.

"Virtually everyone among Kennedy's advisors wanted an airstrike followed by a ground invasion," notes Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans using the Sixth Fleet, undoubtedly Soviet forces stationed there would've deployed a tactical nuclear weapon against the American ships, and that would have sunk the aircraft carriers as well as sunk America's largest and most important naval force. And, the U.S. would have retaliated through an overwhelming counterattack that would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, they succeeded in exercise restraint while calmly negotiate at a time when many advisors in their governments were advocating action. Consequently, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons in Cuba and Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) withdrew American similar weapons from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, matched by the sense of optimism.

A Different Viewpoint

Yet, during those 13 days of October 1962, the anxiety was felt by everyone. The podcast's co-hosts were born in the years following the crisis, with Nina being taught about it via the USSR's school curriculum, which painted an alternative picture of events.

"You said your parent remembers it, and it was a scary time," she says. "However for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know that much about it, because it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that things are constantly fine or positive."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, however, the perspective was distinct. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion it was, because it was a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and didn’t start the war, which was a wonderful outcome," she continues. Later on, however, that view would not be held by all Russians. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up America."

An Unprecedented Collaboration

The Bomb is so even-handed and well produced so much so that Nina jokes it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This is, partly, due to the participation of historians. Yet, really, the most momentous aspect is the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it would be unthinkable for descendants of the leaders of America and USSR to appear side by side. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a symbol of progress.

"Max and I aren't the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America and formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met before the podcast," adds Kennedy. "That is a shame because we connected really well and now we’re friends, which is really great. Finally, following almost six decades of nearly annihilating the world, our families are now allies, suggesting the world is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Parallels with Current Dangers

Or is it? Part of the reason The Bomb feels so necessary is because we once again find ourselves living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight in its history, partly since world leaders don’t seem to have the capacity to learn