‘After almost annihilating the world, our families have become allies’: a thrilling audio series from JFK and Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, humanity came nearer toward destruction more so than ever during the contemporary era. This occurred following the discovery that an American reconnaissance aircraft discovered the fact that Russian nuclear missile bases were being assembled in Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of the United States. In response, U.S. President JFK commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to enact a maritime blockade encircling Cuba. The next phase was almost 14 days of unbearable anxiety.

An Catastrophic Danger

The threat remained palpable. If President Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a series of worldwide atomic attacks and counterstrikes might have followed, casting civilization toward all-out destruction.

The Cuban missile crisis has been covered extensively, in books, movies, as well as TV documentaries. However, for its third season, the audio documentary series The Bomb introduces an unprecedented dimension into this historical narrative. It is co-presented by Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, family members of the men that, over 13 days, held the fate of the world within their grasp.

"What was the Russians planning? What was the United States planning?" asks Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also a professor specializing in international affairs.

In her view, the unique appeal of the show is its endeavor to explore: "How can individuals hate one another and go against one another?"

"It struck me how profound it is that humans can be allies or else have the potential to be complete enemies," remarks Max Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of the late president and currently an author as well as lawyer. "We see this over and over when nations enter into conflict, demonstrating the sheer folly it is to engage in warfare."

The Precipice Towards Catastrophe

What’s notable regarding this event is that, since it transpired in the global spotlight, people worldwide could watch almost in real time as it moved towards catastrophe. Nonetheless, the danger of annihilation came closer than what anybody realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for a military strike followed by an invasion," says Max Kennedy. "If we had struck Cuba using the naval blockade, it is certain the Russians stationed there would have launched a nuclear warhead against the US Sixth Fleet, which would've obliterated our aircraft carriers as well as destroyed America's largest and most important naval force. In turn, we would have retaliated through an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur is a testament to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who managed to remain calm while calmly negotiate at a time when everyone in their governments was pushing for action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles from the Caribbean island and Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his missiles from Turkey. The relief was palpable, matched by a feeling of hope.

A Different Perspective

Still, during those 13 days in October, the anxiety was palpable globally. The podcast's presenters were born shortly after the crisis, with Nina learned about the crisis through the Soviet education system, which painted a slightly different narrative of events.

"You said your father remembers it, and it was a frightening day," she says. "However in the Soviet Union, the public were largely unaware a great deal about it, since it was a tense situation, and under the Soviet system we were told that everything was always wonderful or sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, however, it was distinct. "I was informed what a great moment for the USSR, as it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to resolve it, thus didn’t start a global war, which was a positive thing," she continues. Later on, however, that interpretation was not shared by all Russians. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for Khrushchev, simply he didn’t blow up America."

An Unlikely Partnership

This podcast is so balanced and well produced that Nina jokes she nearly forgot the known outcome. This is, partly, thanks to contributions from renowned scholars. But, really, the most groundbreaking thing remains the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it was inconceivable for descendants of the heads of state of America and Soviet Union to appear side by side. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and be so warm with each other, has to be a symbol of hope.

"Max and I aren't the first," notes Nina. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative moved to America where he became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "Which is unfortunate since we got along really well and now we are friends, something that is really great. Finally, after almost 60 years of nearly annihilating the planet, our lineages have become friends, suggesting global relations is more secure, somewhat."

Modern Echoes and Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? One reason why The Bomb seems so urgent is because we once again are living in a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to catastrophe in its history, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to have the capacity to comprehend