Following almost destroying the world, our families have become allies’: a gripping audio series featuring John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, humanity came closer toward annihilation than at any other point during modern times. This happened when an American reconnaissance aircraft discovered that Soviet atomic weapon bases were under construction in the island of Cuba, less than 100 miles from the United States. Reacting to this, U.S. President JFK ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to establish a maritime blockade encircling the island. The ensuing period was nearly a fortnight filled with extreme anxiety.

An Catastrophic Danger

The danger was clear. If President Kennedy, or his Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, had fired on the other side, a series of global nuclear attacks and counterstrikes would have ensued, thrusting humanity toward total destruction.

The October crisis has been documented extensively, through volumes, films, as well as TV documentaries. However, in its latest installment, the BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a novel dimension into this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted featuring Max Kennedy alongside Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the figures who, over two tense weeks, held the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What was the Russians considering? What was Washington planning?" questions Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter and a professor specializing in global relations.

In her view, the unique appeal of the show lies in its attempt to explore: "Why do people hate one another to the point they oppose each other?"

"I am acutely aware how profound the fact that individuals can be allies or have the potential to be complete enemies," adds Max Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and now an author and attorney. "We see this dynamic over and over in instances where countries enter into conflict, and it just illustrates how unbelievably stupid it is to engage in warfare."

The Brink of Catastrophe

What is remarkable about this event is that, because it unfolded in the global spotlight, citizens worldwide were able to observe almost in real time as it moved closer to disaster. Nonetheless, the threat of destruction came closer than anybody understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike and an invasion," explains Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked the Cubans using the naval blockade, it is certain Soviet forces stationed there would have deployed a nuclear warhead at the US Sixth Fleet, which would have sunk the aircraft carriers and sunk our largest and most important naval force. And, the U.S. would have retaliated through an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated all life on the planet."

The fact it didn’t highlights the composure of both leaders, they managed to exercise restraint while engaging in diplomacy when many advisors in their governments were advocating action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the missiles from the Caribbean island while President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) withdrew American missiles based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was palpable, matched by the sense of optimism.

A Divergent Viewpoint

Yet, during those two weeks of October 1962, the tension was felt by everyone. The podcast's co-hosts came into the world in the years following these events, and Khrushcheva learned about it through the Soviet education system, which presented an alternative version of what happened.

"As you mentioned your parent recalls it, and it was a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "But in the Soviet Union, people were largely unaware a great deal about it, since it was a tense situation, whereas under the Soviet system the official line was that things are always fine or sunny."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was distinct. "I was informed what a great moment it was, because it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, thus avoided a global war, seen as a wonderful thing," she adds. In the years to come, though, that perspective was not held by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a defeat for Khrushchev, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unprecedented Collaboration

The Bomb is remarkably even-handed , expertly crafted that Nina quips it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This effect is, in part, thanks to contributions from historians. Yet, truly, the most groundbreaking aspect remains the involvement of the descendants. Even within living memory, it was unthinkable for relatives of the leaders of America and the Soviet Union would appear together publicly. The fact that these two individuals can do that, and exhibit such warmth with each other, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.

"Max and I are not the first," smiles Khrushcheva. "Following 1991, my uncle moved to America and formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "That is unfortunate because we got along immediately and now we’re friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, following almost six decades of nearly annihilating the world, our families have become friends, suggesting the world is safer, somewhat."

Contemporary Echoes with Present Dangers

Or is it? One reason why The Bomb feels so necessary is that we now find ourselves living through dark times. The symbolic clock of doom stands nearer to midnight than ever before, in part because world leaders appear not to have the capacity to learn