Following almost annihilating our planet, the families are friends’: a gripping audio series from John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s descendants.

During the month of October 1962, the planet veered nearer to destruction more so than ever in recent history. This occurred when a US surveillance aircraft identified that Russian nuclear weapon bases were being built in Cuba, less than 100 miles off the coast of the United States. In response, U.S. President JFK ordered a naval task force to impose a maritime quarantine encircling the island. The ensuing period constituted almost 14 days of impossible tension.

The Unthinkable Threat

The danger was clear. Should President Kennedy, or else his Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, had fired on the other side, a cascade of worldwide nuclear attacks followed by retaliatory strikes might have followed, plunging mankind into total ruination.

The Cuban missile crisis has been covered repeatedly, through volumes, movies, as well as television programmes. However, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a completely new perspective into this historical narrative. It is co-presented by Kennedy's relative and Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the men who, over two tense weeks, controlled the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What was the Soviet side considering? What was the American side planning?" asks Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also a professor specializing in international affairs.

For her, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its attempt to question: "Why do individuals hate one another and oppose each other?"

"I am acutely aware how remarkable the fact that humans can be friends or can become total adversaries," remarks Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of the late president and currently a writer and lawyer. "We see this dynamic over and over when nations enter into conflict, highlighting the sheer folly it is to fight."

A Precipice of Disaster

What is notable about the Cuban missile crisis was that, because it transpired so publicly, individuals worldwide were able to observe almost in real time as it moved closer to armageddon. However, the danger of annihilation came closer than what anybody realised.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House were advocating for a military strike followed by an invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. attacked Cuba with the Sixth Fleet, undoubtedly the Russians on the ground would've launched a tactical nuclear weapon at the American ships, which would have destroyed the aircraft carriers and sunk our largest and most important naval force. And, we would have retaliated with massive retaliation which would have eradicated most life on Earth."

The reality it didn’t highlights the composure of Kennedy and Khrushchev, they managed to remain calm and calmly negotiate when everyone around them was pushing for military action. As a result, Khrushchev removed the nuclear weapons from the Caribbean island while Kennedy (although not reported then) removed his similar weapons from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, matched by the sense of optimism.

The Different Viewpoint

Still, during those two weeks in October, the anxiety was felt by everyone. The podcast's presenters came into the world shortly after the crisis, and Nina learned about it via the USSR's education system, which portrayed a slightly different version of events.

"You said your father remembers it, describing it as a scary time," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware that much regarding the crisis, since it was a tense situation, and in the Soviet Union we were told that things are always wonderful and sunny."

Within the Khrushchev household, though, it was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion it was, because it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to resolve it, and avoided a global war, which was a wonderful thing," she continues. In the years to come, however, that view would not be shared by everybody. "For decades within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a defeat for the Soviet leader, because he refrained from destroying America."

A Unlikely Partnership

This podcast is so balanced and expertly crafted that Khrushcheva jokes it almost made her forget the known the ending. This is, in part, thanks to contributions from historians. Yet, really, the most momentous aspect remains the participation of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable for descendants of the heads of state of the United States and USSR would appear together publicly. That these two individuals are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth with each other, must be seen as a sign of optimism.

"We aren't the first," notes Khrushcheva. "After 1991, a relative moved to America and became great friends with the former president's family."

"But we were strangers prior to this project," adds Kennedy. "That is a shame because we got along really well and now we’re friends, something that is really great. Finally, following almost six decades since almost destroying the planet, our families have become allies, suggesting global relations is safer, a little bit."

Modern Echoes and Current Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of the reason this series seems so urgent is that we once again are living living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight in its history, in part because world leaders don’t seem to have the capacity to learn