Following nearly destroying the planet, the relatives have become allies’: a gripping audio series from JFK and Khrushchev’s descendants.

In October 1962, humanity edged nearer to destruction more so than ever in recent history. This occurred after a US surveillance aircraft identified the fact that Soviet atomic missile installations were being assembled in the island of Cuba, less than 160 kilometers from the US mainland. In response, President JFK directed the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to establish a maritime quarantine encircling Cuba. What followed was nearly 14 days filled with unbearable anxiety.

An Unthinkable Danger

The threat was clear. Should Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, initiated an attack against the other side, a series of global nuclear attacks followed by counterstrikes would have ensued, plunging mankind toward all-out destruction.

The October crisis has been examined extensively, in books, films, and television programmes. But, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb presents a novel element to the story. The series is jointly hosted by Max Kennedy alongside Khrushchev's descendant, relatives of the figures who, for two tense weeks, controlled the destiny of humanity within their grasp.

"What was the Russians planning? What were the American side thinking?" questions Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant who is also an academic specializing in global relations.

In her view, the strength of the show is its endeavor to explore: "Why do individuals hate each other and go against each other?"

"It was not lost on me how profound it is that individuals can be friends or else can become complete enemies," adds Max Kennedy, son of RFK, nephew of the late president and currently an author as well as lawyer. "History shows this repeatedly when nations have gone to war, highlighting how unbelievably stupid it is to fight."

A Precipice of Catastrophe

What’s notable about this event is that, because it transpired so publicly, citizens globally could watch almost in real time as it edged closer to catastrophe. Nonetheless, the danger of destruction was more imminent than what anybody understood at the time.

"Virtually everyone in the White House were advocating for an airstrike and a ground invasion," says Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans using the Sixth Fleet, it is certain the Russians on the ground would've launched a nuclear warhead at the American ships, and that would've sunk our aircraft carriers as well as destroyed America's largest and most important fleet. And, we would have responded through massive retaliation which would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur stands as credit to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in remain calm while engaging in diplomacy when hawkish elements around them demanded action. Consequently, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons from Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed American missiles from Turkey. The sense of relief was worldwide, matched by a feeling of hope.

A Divergent Perspective

Still, during those two weeks of October 1962, the fear was palpable by everyone. The podcast's co-hosts were born shortly after these events, with Nina learned about the crisis through the Soviet education system, which portrayed a slightly different narrative of events.

"As you mentioned your parent recalls it, and it was a scary day," Khrushcheva notes. "But for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know a great deal about it, because it was a tense situation, whereas under the Soviet system we were told that things are constantly wonderful and positive."

Within the Khrushchev household, though, it was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, because it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to resolve it, and avoided a global war, which was a positive outcome," she continues. In the years to come, however, that interpretation would not be held by all Russians. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, the crisis was viewed as a setback for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unprecedented Partnership

The Bomb is so even-handed , well produced that Khrushcheva jokes she nearly forgot the known outcome. This is, in part, due to the participation of renowned scholars. But, really, the most significant aspect is the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it was unthinkable for descendants of the leaders of the United States and Soviet Union to appear side by side. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth with each other, must be seen as a sign of hope.

"We aren't the pioneers," notes Nina. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we had never met prior to this project," adds Max. "Which is a shame since we connected really well and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after nearly 60 years since nearly annihilating the world, our families are now allies, so I think the world is safer, somewhat."

Contemporary Echoes with Current Perils

Is that truly the case? Part of why The Bomb feels so necessary is that we now are living living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight in its history, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to learn