‘After almost destroying our world, our relatives are allies’: a gripping audio series from John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s descendants.

In October 1962, humanity came nearer toward annihilation than at any other point during modern times. This occurred after a US reconnaissance plane discovered the fact that Soviet nuclear missile bases were being built in Cuba, a mere 100 miles off the coast of the United States. In response, President John F Kennedy commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to establish a naval blockade encircling Cuba. The next phase was almost 14 days filled with extreme tension.

An Catastrophic Danger

The danger remained palpable. Should President Kennedy, or else his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire against their enemy, a series of global nuclear strikes and counterstrikes could have followed, thrusting mankind toward total ruination.

This pivotal 1962 event has been documented endlessly, through books, films, as well as television programmes. However, for its third season, a prominent audio documentary series titled "The Bomb" introduces an unprecedented element into the story. The series is jointly hosted by Kennedy's relative alongside Khrushchev's descendant, family members of the leaders that, over two tense weeks, held the fate of the world in their hands.

"What were the Soviet side considering? What were the American side considering?" asks Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant who is also a professor specializing in international affairs.

In her view, the unique appeal of the podcast is its endeavor to explore: "Why do nations hate one another and go against one another?"

"I am acutely aware how spectacular the fact that humans can be friends or else have the potential to be complete enemies," adds Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and currently an author as well as lawyer. "We see this over and over in instances where countries enter into conflict, and it just illustrates the profound irrationality involved to engage in warfare."

The Precipice of Disaster

What is striking about this event is that, because it unfolded in the global spotlight, people globally were able to observe nearly in real time as it moved closer to disaster. However, the threat of destruction came closer than anybody realised.

"Almost all officials in the White House wanted an airstrike followed by an invasion," says Kennedy. "If we had attacked the Cubans using the naval blockade, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would have launched a nuclear warhead at the US Sixth Fleet, and that would have obliterated the naval vessels and destroyed our largest and most important naval force. In turn, the U.S. would have responded with massive retaliation which would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The reality this did not occur highlights the composure of both leaders, they succeeded in keep their heads while engaging in diplomacy when hawkish elements in their governments demanded military action. Consequently, Khrushchev removed the missiles from Cuba while Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) removed his missiles based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, matched by a feeling of hope.

A Different Viewpoint

Still, during those two weeks of October 1962, the fear was palpable globally. The podcast's presenters came into the world shortly after these events, and Khrushcheva learned about it through the USSR's school curriculum, which presented an alternative version of what happened.

"You said your parent remembers it, describing it as a scary time," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, because it was a tense situation, and in the Soviet Union we were told that things are always fine and positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was distinct. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, as it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, and didn’t start a global war, seen as a positive outcome," she continues. Subsequently, however, that interpretation was not held by everybody. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unprecedented Partnership

This podcast is so balanced , expertly crafted that Nina jokes she nearly forgot the known the ending. This effect is, in part, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. Yet, truly, the most momentous thing remains the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it was unthinkable that descendants of the leaders of America and the Soviet Union would appear together publicly. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and exhibit such warmth with each other, must be seen as a symbol of hope.

"We aren't the pioneers," smiles Khrushcheva. "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."

"However we had never met prior to this project," adds Kennedy. "That is unfortunate because we connected immediately and we are friends, which is really great. Finally, following almost 60 years since nearly annihilating the world, our lineages are now friends, suggesting the world is more secure, somewhat."

Modern Parallels with Current Dangers

Or is it? One reason the reason this series feels so necessary is that we now are living in a perilous era. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to catastrophe in its history, partly since world leaders appear not to have the capacity to comprehend