Following almost annihilating our world, the families have become friends’: a thrilling audio series featuring John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s relatives.
During October 1962, the world edged closer to ruin more so than ever in modern times. This occurred when an American reconnaissance aircraft identified the fact that Russian atomic missile sites were under construction in the island of Cuba, less than 100 miles from the United States. Reacting to this, U.S. President JFK commanded the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet to enact a maritime blockade around Cuba. What followed constituted nearly two weeks filled with extreme anxiety.
An Catastrophic Danger
The danger was palpable. Should President Kennedy, or the Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, were to fire on the other side, a chain reaction of global atomic attacks followed by retaliatory strikes could have ensued, plunging mankind into total oblivion.
This pivotal 1962 event has been examined extensively, in volumes, movies, as well as TV documentaries. However, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a completely new perspective into the story. The series is jointly hosted by Max Kennedy alongside Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the men who, over 13 days, grasped the destiny of humanity within their grasp.
"What was the Kremlin planning? What were the United States planning?" ponders Nina Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant and an academic specializing in international affairs.
In her view, the unique appeal of the show is its endeavor to objectively ask: "How can individuals detest each other and confront one another?"
"I am acutely aware how profound it is that people have the potential to be friends or else can become complete enemies," states Kennedy, son of RFK, related to JFK and now an author as well as lawyer. "History shows this over and over when countries have gone to war, and it just illustrates the profound irrationality it is to engage in warfare."
The Precipice of Catastrophe
What is striking regarding this event was that, because it transpired so publicly, individuals around the world could watch nearly as it happened as it moved towards catastrophe. Nonetheless, the threat of annihilation came closer than what most people understood at the time.
"Virtually everyone in the White House were advocating for a military strike and a ground invasion," explains Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans using the naval blockade, it is certain Soviet forces stationed there would've fired a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, which would have sunk the aircraft carriers as well as destroyed America's primary naval force. And, we would have responded with an overwhelming counterattack that would have ended most life on the planet."
The reality it didn’t stands as credit to Kennedy and Khrushchev, who succeeded in remain calm and calmly negotiate at a time when everyone in their governments was pushing for military action. As a result, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles from Cuba and Kennedy (although not reported then) withdrew his missiles from NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was worldwide, as was the sense of optimism.
The Different Perspective
Still, during those two weeks of October 1962, the tension was palpable globally. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born shortly after the crisis, with Nina learned about the crisis through the USSR's school curriculum, which portrayed a slightly different version of what happened.
"As you mentioned your parent recalls it, describing it as a scary day," she says. "But for Soviet citizens, people were largely unaware a great deal about it, since it was a crisis, and under the Soviet system the official line was that things are constantly wonderful and positive."
Within the Khrushchev household, though, the perspective was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant moment it was, as it represented eyeball to eyeball. They were able to find a solution, thus didn’t start a global war, which was a positive outcome," she adds. Subsequently, however, that perspective would not be held by all Russians. "For decades in Russian politics, the crisis was viewed as a setback for Khrushchev, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."
An Unprecedented Collaboration
The Bomb is remarkably balanced , well produced that Nina quips she nearly forgot she already knew the ending. This effect is, partly, thanks to the participation of renowned scholars. Yet, truly, the most groundbreaking aspect is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable that descendants of the leaders of America and Soviet Union would appear side by side. The fact 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 progress.
"We aren't the first," smiles Nina. "Following 1991, my uncle moved to America where he became great friends with the former president's family."
"However we had never met before the podcast," adds Max. "That is unfortunate because we got along really well and we are friends, which is really great. Ultimately, following nearly six decades since almost destroying the planet, our families have become allies, suggesting the world is safer, a little bit."
Modern Parallels and Current Dangers
Is that truly the case? Part of why The Bomb seems so urgent is that we now find ourselves in a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to midnight than ever before, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to have the capacity to comprehend
