Following nearly destroying the planet, the relatives are friends’: the thrilling audio series featuring JFK and Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

In October 1962, the world veered closer toward ruin than at any other point in recent history. This occurred when a US surveillance plane found that Soviet nuclear missile sites were being built in Cuba, less than 100 miles from the United States. In response, U.S. President JFK ordered a naval task force to establish a naval blockade encircling Cuba. The ensuing period was almost 14 days filled with impossible tension.

The Catastrophic Threat

The peril was palpable. If Kennedy, or else the Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a chain reaction of worldwide nuclear strikes and retaliatory strikes could have ensued, casting mankind into total destruction.

The October crisis has been covered extensively, through books, movies, as well as television programmes. However, in its latest installment, the BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a completely new dimension to the story. The series is jointly hosted featuring Kennedy's relative and Khrushchev's descendant, family members belonging to the leaders who, over two tense weeks, grasped the destiny of humanity within their grasp.

"What were the Russians planning? What was the American side considering?" ponders Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant who is also an academic specializing in international affairs.

For her, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its endeavor to explore: "Why do individuals detest one another and go against one another?"

"It was not lost on me how profound it is that humans have the potential to be friends or else can become total enemies," states Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and now an author as well as attorney. "History shows this repeatedly when countries have gone to war, and it just illustrates the sheer folly it is to engage in warfare."

The Brink of Disaster

What is remarkable regarding this event is that, since it transpired in the global spotlight, people around the world were able to observe almost in real time while it edged closer to disaster. However, the risk of destruction came closer than what anybody realised.

"Virtually everyone in the White House wanted an airstrike followed by an invasion," says Kennedy. "If we had attacked Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, there is no question Soviet forces stationed there would've launched a nuclear warhead at the American ships, which would have destroyed our aircraft carriers and sunk America's largest and most important fleet. In turn, the U.S. would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack that would have ended most life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur stands as credit to Kennedy and Khrushchev, they managed to keep their heads while engaging in diplomacy at a time when hawkish elements around them was pushing for action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles in the Caribbean island and Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) removed his similar weapons from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, matched by the sense of optimism.

A Different Perspective

Still, for those two weeks in October, the fear was palpable globally. The podcast's co-hosts were born shortly after the crisis, and Khrushcheva learned about the crisis via the USSR's school curriculum, which portrayed a slightly different picture of events.

"As you mentioned your parent recalls it, and it was a scary time," she says. "However for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware that much about it, since it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system we were told that things are always wonderful or positive."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, however, the perspective was distinct. "They told me that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, because it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, and didn’t start a global war, which was a positive outcome," she continues. In the years to come, though, that perspective was not held by all Russians. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a setback for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying the United States."

An Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is remarkably balanced , well produced that Nina quips she nearly forgot she already knew the ending. This effect is, in part, due to contributions from renowned scholars. But, really, the most significant thing is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable for relatives of the leaders of America and the USSR to appear together publicly. That these two individuals are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth toward one another, must be seen as a symbol of progress.

"We are not the pioneers," notes Khrushcheva. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America and formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"But we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "Which is unfortunate since we got along immediately and we are friends, something that is wonderful. Ultimately, following almost six decades since almost destroying the world, our lineages have become friends, so I think global relations is safer, a little bit."

Modern Parallels and Current Dangers

Is that truly the case? One reason why The Bomb seems so urgent is that we now find ourselves in dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe than ever before, in part because world leaders don’t seem to be able to comprehend