‘After almost destroying the world, the families have become allies’: a gripping podcast from John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, the world veered nearer to ruin than at any other point in modern times. This transpired following the discovery that a US reconnaissance aircraft discovered the fact that Soviet nuclear weapon sites were being assembled in the island of Cuba, less than 100 miles from the US mainland. Reacting to this, U.S. President JFK ordered a naval task force to enact a naval blockade around Cuba. The next phase constituted nearly 14 days filled with unbearable stress.

An Catastrophic Threat

The threat was palpable. Should Kennedy, or else his Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, had fired against the other side, a cascade of worldwide atomic strikes followed by retaliatory strikes could have followed, plunging humanity toward all-out destruction.

The Cuban missile crisis has been examined extensively, in books, films, as well as TV documentaries. However, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a completely new perspective into this historical narrative. It is co-presented featuring Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the leaders that, for two tense weeks, controlled the fate of the world in their hands.

"What was the Russians considering? What were Washington planning?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also a professor of international affairs.

In her view, the unique appeal of the show lies in its endeavor to objectively ask: "How can people detest one another to the point they confront each other?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular the fact that people can be allies or can become complete enemies," adds Max Kennedy, son of RFK, related to the late president and now a writer as well as lawyer. "We see this over and over when countries have gone to war, and it just illustrates how unbelievably stupid involved to fight."

A Brink Towards Catastrophe

What is striking about this event was that, because it unfolded so publicly, people worldwide were able to observe almost as it happened as it crept closer to armageddon. Nonetheless, the risk of destruction came closer than most people understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike and an invasion," notes Kennedy. "If we had attacked Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, it is certain Soviet forces stationed there would have fired a nuclear warhead against the American ships, and that would have obliterated the naval vessels and destroyed our largest and most important fleet. And, the U.S. would have responded with massive retaliation which would have ended all life on the planet."

The reality this did not occur is a testament to both leaders, who succeeded in keep their heads while engaging in diplomacy at a time when everyone in their governments demanded military action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the missiles in Cuba and Kennedy (although not reported then) removed his similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, as was a feeling of optimism.

A Divergent Perspective

Still, during those 13 days of October 1962, the fear was palpable globally. The podcast's co-hosts were born shortly after the crisis, and Nina being taught about the crisis via the USSR's education system, which presented an alternative version of what happened.

"As you mentioned your father recalls it, describing it as a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, since it was a tense situation, and in the Soviet Union we were told that things are always fine or sunny."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, however, the perspective was different. "They told me what a great moment it was, as it was a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and avoided the war, seen as a wonderful thing," she continues. Subsequently, however, that perspective would not be held by everybody. "For a long time within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying America."

An Unprecedented Collaboration

This podcast is remarkably balanced , well produced so much so that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget the known outcome. This is, in part, thanks to contributions from renowned scholars. Yet, really, the most momentous thing remains the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it was inconceivable for descendants of the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union would appear side by side. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a symbol of hope.

"We aren't the pioneers," smiles Nina. "After 1991, a relative moved to America and became great friends with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we were strangers before the podcast," adds Kennedy. "That is unfortunate since we got along really well and now we’re friends, which is wonderful. Finally, after almost six decades of nearly annihilating the world, our lineages have become allies, so I think global relations is more secure, somewhat."

Modern Echoes and Present Perils

Is that truly the case? Part of why this series seems so urgent is that we now are living living through dark times. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to midnight in its history, partly since world leaders don’t seem to be able to learn