‘After nearly annihilating the world, our families are friends’: the gripping audio series from John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s relatives.
During October 1962, humanity edged closer toward destruction more so than ever during recent history. This transpired following the discovery that a US surveillance plane discovered the fact that Russian atomic missile sites were being built on Cuba, less than 100 miles off the coast of the US mainland. In response, President John F Kennedy ordered the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to enact a naval blockade encircling Cuba. What followed was almost a fortnight filled with impossible stress.
The Unthinkable Danger
The threat was obvious. If Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against the other side, a cascade involving worldwide nuclear strikes and counterstrikes could have ensued, thrusting civilization toward all-out ruination.
The Cuban missile crisis has been covered repeatedly, in books, films, and television programmes. However, in its latest installment, the BBC World Service podcast The Bomb introduces an unprecedented element to this historical narrative. The series is jointly hosted by Kennedy's relative alongside Khrushchev's descendant, relatives belonging to the figures that, for two tense weeks, held the fate of humanity in their hands.
"What were the Russians considering? What were Washington planning?" ponders Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s great-granddaughter who is also a professor specializing in global relations.
In her view, the unique appeal of the show lies in its endeavor to explore: "Why do people detest each other and confront one another?"
"It struck me how profound the fact that humans have the potential to be allies or can become complete adversaries," adds Max Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and now an author and attorney. "History shows this dynamic repeatedly when countries enter into conflict, and it just illustrates the sheer folly it is to fight."
A Precipice Towards Disaster
What is striking about this event is that, since it unfolded so publicly, people around the world were able to observe almost as it happened while it edged towards armageddon. Even so, the danger of destruction came closer than what most people realised.
"Almost all officials among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for a military strike and a ground invasion," explains Max Kennedy. "If we had struck Cuba using the naval blockade, undoubtedly the Russians on the ground would've fired a nuclear warhead against the US Sixth Fleet, which would've sunk the aircraft carriers and destroyed America's largest and most important naval force. And, the U.S. would have retaliated with an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated most life on the planet."
The reality this did not occur is a testament to both leaders, they succeeded in keep their heads and calmly negotiate at a time when hawkish elements in their governments was pushing for action. As a result, Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons in the Caribbean island and President Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his similar weapons from Turkey. The relief was worldwide, matched by a feeling of optimism.
A Different Perspective
Still, for those two weeks of October 1962, the tension was felt globally. The podcast's co-hosts were born in the years following the crisis, with Khrushcheva being taught about it via the USSR's school curriculum, which presented an alternative picture of events.
"As you mentioned your parent remembers it, and it was a frightening time," she says. "However for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware a great deal about it, since it was a crisis, whereas in the Soviet Union we were told that everything was always wonderful or sunny."
Within Khrushchev’s family, though, the perspective was distinct. "They told me that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, as it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, thus avoided the war, seen as a wonderful outcome," she continues. Subsequently, however, that interpretation was not shared by everybody. "For decades in Russian politics, it was considered a setback for Khrushchev, because he didn’t blow up America."
An Unlikely Partnership
The Bomb is remarkably balanced and expertly crafted that Khrushcheva quips it almost made her forget she already knew outcome. This is, in part, due to the participation of renowned scholars. But, truly, the most momentous thing remains the involvement of the descendants. Not so long ago, it would be inconceivable for relatives of the heads of state of the United States and the Soviet Union to appear side by side. That Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and be so warm with each other, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.
"We aren't the first," notes Nina. "After 1991, a relative moved to America and formed a close bond with the former president's family."
"However we had never met prior to this project," clarifies Max. "Which is unfortunate since we got along really well and we are friends, something that is wonderful. Ultimately, after nearly 60 years of almost destroying the world, our lineages are now allies, so I think global relations is safer, somewhat."
Modern Parallels with Present Perils
Is that truly the case? Part of why The Bomb seems so urgent is because we now find ourselves living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe in its history, in part because today's statesmen appear not to have the capacity to comprehend
