Following almost annihilating the world, the relatives have become friends’: the gripping audio series featuring JFK and Nikita Khrushchev’s descendants.

In October 1962, the world came closer to ruin than at any other point during recent history. This transpired when a US reconnaissance aircraft discovered the fact that Russian atomic weapon sites were under construction in the island of Cuba, less than 160 kilometers from the United States. Reacting to this, President JFK directed a naval task force to establish a naval quarantine encircling the island. The ensuing period constituted almost 14 days of impossible anxiety.

The Catastrophic Danger

The peril remained palpable. If President Kennedy, or else the Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire on the other side, a chain reaction of worldwide atomic strikes followed by counterstrikes would have ensued, thrusting civilization into all-out oblivion.

The October crisis has been documented endlessly, through volumes, movies, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, the audio documentary series The Bomb presents a novel perspective to this historical narrative. It is co-presented by Max Kennedy and Khrushchev's descendant, family members belonging to the leaders who, for two tense weeks, held the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Russians planning? What was the United States planning?" questions Nina Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's descendant who is also a professor of international affairs.

In her view, the beauty of the show lies in its endeavor to explore: "Why do people hate one another and confront each other?"

"It struck me how remarkable it is that humans have the potential to be allies or else have the potential to be complete adversaries," remarks Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and currently an author and lawyer. "History shows this dynamic repeatedly when nations have gone to war, demonstrating the sheer folly it is to engage in warfare."

The Precipice of Disaster

What is notable regarding this event is that, since it unfolded so publicly, individuals around the world could watch almost in real time while it crept towards disaster. Even so, the risk of destruction was more imminent than anybody realised.

"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors wanted an airstrike followed by a ground invasion," says Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans using the Sixth Fleet, it is certain Soviet forces on the ground would have fired a nuclear warhead against the US Sixth Fleet, and that would've obliterated our aircraft carriers as well as sunk America's primary fleet. And, we would have retaliated with massive retaliation which would have ended all life on the planet."

The fact this did not occur highlights the composure of both leaders, who succeeded in keep their heads and calmly negotiate at a time when hawkish elements in their governments was pushing for action. Consequently, The Soviet premier removed the missiles in Cuba while Kennedy (although not reported then) removed his similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was immense, matched by the sense of hope.

A Divergent Perspective

Still, during those two weeks of October 1962, the anxiety was palpable globally. The podcast's co-hosts were born shortly after these events, and Nina learned about the crisis through the USSR's education system, which portrayed a slightly different version of events.

"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, and it was a scary time," Khrushcheva notes. "But for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know a great deal about it, since it was a crisis, whereas under the Soviet system we were told that things are constantly fine and sunny."

Within the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was distinct. "I was informed what a great moment for the USSR, because it was a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to resolve it, and avoided a global war, seen as a positive outcome," she continues. In the years to come, though, that interpretation was not held by all Russians. "For a long time within Russian historical analysis, the crisis was viewed as a setback for the Soviet leader, simply he didn’t blow up America."

A Unprecedented Collaboration

This podcast is so even-handed , expertly crafted so much so that Nina jokes it almost made her forget she already knew outcome. This effect is, in part, due to contributions from renowned scholars. Yet, really, the most momentous aspect is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable for relatives of the heads of state of the United States and the USSR to appear together publicly. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva can do that, and exhibit such warmth toward one another, must be seen as a sign of optimism.

"Max and I aren't the first," notes Nina. "Following 1991, a relative Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"However we were strangers prior to this project," adds Kennedy. "Which is unfortunate because we got along immediately and we’re friends, which is wonderful. Ultimately, after nearly 60 years of almost destroying the planet, our lineages are now friends, so I think global relations is more secure, somewhat."

Contemporary Parallels and Current Perils

Or is it? One reason why The Bomb feels so necessary is that we once again are living living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to midnight than ever before, partly since today's statesmen appear not to be able to comprehend