‘After nearly destroying the planet, the relatives are allies’: the thrilling podcast from JFK & Khrushchev’s relatives.

During the month of October 1962, the planet edged closer to ruin more so than ever in recent history. This occurred following the discovery that an American reconnaissance aircraft discovered that Russian nuclear missile installations were being assembled on Cuba, less than 160 kilometers from the US mainland. In response, President JFK commanded a naval task force to impose a naval blockade around the island. The next phase constituted almost a fortnight of extreme anxiety.

The Unthinkable Threat

The danger remained clear. If Kennedy, or else the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, initiated an attack on the other side, a series of worldwide atomic attacks and retaliatory strikes could have ensued, thrusting civilization into all-out oblivion.

This pivotal 1962 event has been covered endlessly, through volumes, movies, and TV documentaries. However, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a novel perspective into this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted by Kennedy's relative alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the figures that, over two tense weeks, held the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What was the Kremlin thinking? What were the American side thinking?" asks Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also a professor of international affairs.

In her view, the beauty of the podcast lies in its endeavor to question: "How can individuals hate each other to the point they oppose one another?"

"It was not lost on me how spectacular the fact that humans can be allies or can become total adversaries," adds Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and now an author as well as lawyer. "We see this dynamic over and over in instances where nations enter into conflict, and it just illustrates the sheer folly it is to fight."

A Precipice of Catastrophe

What’s notable about the Cuban missile crisis was that, since it transpired in the global spotlight, citizens worldwide could watch almost in real time as it edged closer to catastrophe. Nonetheless, the risk of destruction was more imminent than most people realised.

"Virtually everyone in the White House were advocating for a military strike and an invasion," explains Kennedy. "If we had attacked Cuba with the Sixth Fleet, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would have deployed a nuclear warhead at the American ships, which would've sunk the naval vessels as well as destroyed our primary naval force. And, the U.S. would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated most life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in keep their heads and engaging in diplomacy at a time when everyone in their governments was pushing for action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons in the Caribbean island while President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, matched by a feeling of optimism.

The Divergent Viewpoint

Still, for those two weeks in October, the fear was palpable globally. The podcast's co-hosts came into the world shortly after the crisis, with Khrushcheva learned about the crisis through the USSR's education system, which portrayed a slightly different picture of events.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, and it was a frightening time," Khrushcheva notes. "But in the Soviet Union, the public were largely unaware a great deal regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system we were told that things are always fine or positive."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, however, it was distinct. "They told me what a great occasion it was, as it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, thus didn’t start the war, seen as a positive thing," she continues. In the years to come, though, that interpretation would not be shared by everybody. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying America."

An Unprecedented Collaboration

This podcast is so even-handed and expertly crafted so much so that Khrushcheva quips it almost made her forget the known the ending. This is, partly, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. But, really, the most significant aspect remains the participation of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be inconceivable for relatives of the heads of state of the United States and the Soviet Union would appear together publicly. The fact that these two individuals are able to do so, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a symbol of progress.

"Max and I are not the pioneers," notes Khrushcheva. "Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, a relative moved to America where he formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"But we were strangers prior to this project," adds Kennedy. "That is a shame since we connected immediately and we’re friends, something that is really great. Finally, after nearly 60 years of almost destroying the planet, our families are now friends, so I think global relations is more secure, a little bit."

Modern Parallels with Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of why this series feels so necessary is because we once again find ourselves living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight than ever before, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to have the capacity to grasp