‘After nearly destroying the world, our families have become friends’: the thrilling audio series from John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s descendants.

During October 1962, humanity veered nearer to destruction than at any other point during the contemporary era. This happened following the discovery that a US reconnaissance aircraft identified the fact that Russian nuclear weapon installations were being assembled on the island of Cuba, a mere 160 kilometers from the US mainland. Reacting to this, President JFK commanded a naval task force to establish a maritime quarantine around the island. The ensuing period constituted nearly two weeks of extreme tension.

The Unthinkable Danger

The threat was obvious. Should Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, had fired against their enemy, a chain reaction involving global nuclear attacks and counterstrikes might have ensued, casting civilization toward all-out destruction.

The Cuban missile crisis has been covered repeatedly, through volumes, movies, as well as TV documentaries. However, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series The Bomb introduces a completely new element into this historical narrative. It is co-presented featuring Kennedy's relative and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the men that, for 13 days, grasped the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Kremlin planning? What was the United States thinking?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant who is also an academic of international affairs.

In her view, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its endeavor to explore: "Why do nations detest one another and go against each other?"

"It struck me how spectacular it is that people can be friends or else have the potential to be total adversaries," remarks Max Kennedy, son of RFK, related to the late president and currently a writer as well as lawyer. "We see this dynamic over and over in instances where nations have gone to war, and it just illustrates how unbelievably stupid involved to engage in warfare."

A Precipice Towards Disaster

What is remarkable regarding the Cuban missile crisis was that, because it transpired in the global spotlight, individuals around the world could watch nearly as it happened while it crept closer to armageddon. However, the danger of annihilation came closer than most people realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike followed by a ground invasion," notes Kennedy. "If we had struck the Cubans with the naval blockade, undoubtedly Soviet forces stationed there would've deployed a nuclear warhead at the US Sixth Fleet, which would have destroyed the naval vessels as well as destroyed America's largest and most important fleet. In turn, the U.S. would have responded with massive retaliation that would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The fact it didn’t is a testament to both leaders, who succeeded in keep their heads and calmly negotiate when many advisors in their governments demanded military action. As a result, Khrushchev removed the nuclear weapons from the Caribbean island while President Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew American missiles based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was worldwide, as was a feeling of optimism.

A Divergent Perspective

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the tension was felt by everyone. The podcast's co-hosts were born shortly after these events, with Nina being taught about the crisis through the USSR's school curriculum, which portrayed an alternative version of what happened.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, and it was a frightening time," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, since it was a tense situation, whereas under the Soviet system we were told that everything was always wonderful and sunny."

Within the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion it was, as it was a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, thus didn’t start a global war, which was a positive outcome," she continues. Subsequently, though, that perspective was not shared by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, the crisis was viewed as a setback for Khrushchev, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

An Unlikely Collaboration

The Bomb is remarkably balanced and well produced that Nina jokes she nearly forgot she already knew outcome. This effect is, partly, due to contributions from renowned scholars. But, really, the most groundbreaking aspect is the participation of the descendants. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable for descendants of the heads of state of America and Soviet Union would appear side by side. That these two individuals are able to do so, and be so warm toward one another, has to be a symbol of optimism.

"We aren't the first," notes Nina. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America where he formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met before the podcast," adds Max. "That is a shame because we got along really well and we are friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, following almost 60 years since almost destroying the planet, our families have become friends, so I think global relations is safer, a little bit."

Contemporary Echoes and Current Dangers

Or is it? Part of why this series feels so necessary is that we now are living in a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since world leaders appear not to be able to grasp