Following almost destroying our world, our relatives are allies’: the gripping audio series from JFK and Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

In the month of October 1962, humanity came nearer to destruction more so than ever during recent history. This occurred when a US surveillance plane discovered the fact that Soviet atomic missile sites were being built on Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from American soil. Reacting to this, President John F Kennedy directed the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to enact a naval quarantine encircling the island. What followed was nearly 14 days of unbearable stress.

The Unthinkable Danger

The danger remained clear. If Kennedy, or his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire against the other side, a cascade involving global atomic strikes followed by retaliatory strikes could have ensued, casting humanity into total oblivion.

The October crisis has been documented endlessly, through volumes, films, and TV documentaries. But, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" has brought a novel perspective into the story. It is co-presented by Max Kennedy alongside Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the leaders who, over 13 days, controlled the destiny of the world in their hands.

"What was the Soviet side considering? What was the American side thinking?" questions Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant and an academic of global relations.

In her view, the beauty of the show is its endeavor to objectively ask: "How can nations hate one another and confront each other?"

"It was not lost on me how remarkable it is that humans can be friends or else have the potential to be total enemies," states Max Kennedy, the son of RFK, related to JFK and currently an author as well as lawyer. "History shows this over and over in instances where nations have gone to war, highlighting the sheer folly it is to engage in warfare."

A Precipice of Catastrophe

What is striking about the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it unfolded so publicly, individuals globally were able to observe almost as it happened while it crept closer to disaster. However, the risk of annihilation was more imminent than what anybody realised.

"Virtually everyone among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike followed by an invasion," says Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck Cuba with the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians stationed there would have launched a nuclear warhead against the American ships, and that would've obliterated our aircraft carriers as well as destroyed our primary naval force. In turn, we would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated all life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur is a testament to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who managed to remain calm and engaging in diplomacy when hawkish elements around them was pushing for action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles from the Caribbean island and Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew American similar weapons from Turkey. The relief was worldwide, matched by a feeling of hope.

A Divergent Perspective

Still, during those two weeks in October, the fear was felt by everyone. The Bomb’s presenters came into the world shortly after the crisis, and Nina being taught about the crisis via the Soviet school curriculum, which presented an alternative picture of what happened.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, describing it as a frightening day," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, because it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union the official line was that everything was always wonderful or positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, it was different. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, as it represented eyeball to eyeball. They were able to resolve it, thus didn’t start a global war, seen as a positive thing," she continues. Later on, however, that interpretation was not held by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a defeat for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up America."

A Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably balanced , expertly crafted that Nina jokes she nearly forgot the known outcome. This effect is, in part, due to contributions from historians. But, truly, the most significant aspect is the involvement of the descendants. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable that relatives of the leaders of the United States and Soviet Union to appear together publicly. That these two individuals are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth with each other, must be seen as a symbol of progress.

"Max and I are not the first," notes Khrushcheva. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he became great friends with the former president's family."

"But we had never met before the podcast," clarifies Kennedy. "That is unfortunate because we got along really well and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after almost 60 years since almost destroying the world, our families have become allies, so I think the world is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Parallels and Current Dangers

Or is it? Part of why The Bomb feels so necessary is because we now find ourselves living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight in its history, partly since world leaders don’t seem to have the capacity to learn