Following almost destroying our world, the families are friends’: the thrilling audio series from John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev’s descendants.
During the month of October 1962, the planet came closer toward ruin more so than ever in the contemporary era. This transpired when a US surveillance plane discovered that Soviet atomic weapon installations were being built in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from American soil. In response, President John F Kennedy commanded a naval task force to impose a maritime blockade around the island. The next phase constituted almost a fortnight of unbearable tension.
The Unthinkable Threat
The peril remained obvious. If President Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Nikita Khrushchev, were to fire against their enemy, a cascade of global atomic strikes followed by retaliatory strikes could have followed, casting humanity toward total oblivion.
This pivotal 1962 event has been documented extensively, in volumes, movies, as well as television programmes. But, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb introduces a completely new dimension to this historical narrative. It is co-presented featuring Kennedy's relative alongside Nina Khrushcheva, family members belonging to the figures that, over 13 days, held the fate of the world within their grasp.
"What was the Russians planning? What was the United States thinking?" questions Khrushcheva, Khrushchev’s descendant and an academic specializing in global relations.
For her, the unique appeal of the podcast lies in its endeavor to objectively ask: "How can people hate each other and oppose each other?"
"It struck me how remarkable the fact that humans have the potential to be allies or can become complete enemies," adds Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, related to JFK and currently a writer as well as lawyer. "History shows this dynamic over and over when countries enter into conflict, demonstrating the profound irrationality it is to fight."
The Precipice Towards Disaster
What is striking about the Cuban missile crisis is that, since it unfolded so publicly, individuals around the world could watch almost in real time while it edged towards armageddon. Nonetheless, the danger of destruction was more imminent than anybody realised.
"Almost all officials in the White House were advocating for a military strike followed by an invasion," says Max Kennedy. "If we had struck the Cubans using the Sixth Fleet, it is certain the Russians stationed there would have fired a tactical nuclear weapon at the US Sixth Fleet, which would have sunk our aircraft carriers and sunk our primary fleet. In turn, we would have responded through an overwhelming counterattack which would have eradicated most life on the planet."
The reality this did not occur is a testament to Kennedy and Khrushchev, they succeeded in exercise restraint and calmly negotiate at a time when everyone in their governments demanded action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the missiles in Cuba while President Kennedy (although not reported at the time) removed his similar weapons based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was worldwide, matched by the sense of hope.
The Different Perspective
Yet, during those 13 days of October 1962, the tension was palpable by everyone. The Bomb’s co-hosts came into the world shortly after these events, with Khrushcheva being taught about the crisis via the USSR's school curriculum, which painted a slightly different narrative of events.
"As you mentioned your father recalls it, describing it as a scary time," she says. "But in the Soviet Union, the public really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, since it was a crisis, whereas under the Soviet system we were told that things are always fine and sunny."
Within Khrushchev’s family, though, the perspective was distinct. "I was informed that it was a triumphant moment for the USSR, because it represented eyeball to eyeball. They were able to find a solution, thus didn’t start a global war, which was a wonderful thing," she adds. Later on, though, that view was not held by everybody. "For a long time in Russian politics, it was considered a setback for Khrushchev, simply he didn’t blow up America."
An Unlikely Partnership
This podcast is remarkably balanced , well produced so much so that Nina quips it almost made her forget she already knew the ending. This is, partly, thanks to contributions from historians. Yet, really, the most momentous aspect is the involvement of the descendants. Not so long ago, it would be unthinkable for descendants of the heads of state of America and the USSR 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 hope.
"Max and I are not the pioneers," notes Khrushcheva. "After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, my uncle moved to America where he became great friends with the former president's family."
"But we had never met prior to this project," adds Max. "Which is unfortunate since we connected immediately and now we are friends, something that is really great. Ultimately, following nearly 60 years of almost destroying the planet, our lineages have become allies, suggesting global relations is safer, a little bit."
Contemporary Parallels and Current Dangers
Is that truly the case? One reason why The Bomb feels so necessary is because we now find ourselves in dark times. The symbolic clock of doom is closer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since today's statesmen don’t seem to be able to comprehend
