‘After nearly destroying the world, the relatives have become allies’: a thrilling audio series from John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev’s relatives.
During October 1962, the world came closer to annihilation more so than ever in the contemporary era. This occurred after an American reconnaissance aircraft identified that Russian atomic weapon sites were being built in the island of Cuba, less than 100 miles off the coast of American soil. In response, President John F Kennedy ordered a naval task force to impose a maritime blockade encircling Cuba. What followed was almost 14 days filled with extreme stress.
The Unthinkable Danger
The threat remained obvious. Should Kennedy, or else the Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, initiated an attack against their enemy, a series involving global atomic attacks and retaliatory strikes might have followed, thrusting humanity into total oblivion.
The October crisis has been examined repeatedly, in books, films, and TV documentaries. But, for its third season, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" introduces a completely new perspective to the story. The series is jointly hosted by Max Kennedy alongside Khrushchev's descendant, relatives of the men that, over two tense weeks, held the destiny of the planet within their grasp.
"What was the Kremlin planning? What was the American side planning?" ponders Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also an academic of global relations.
In her view, the strength of the podcast lies in its endeavor to explore: "How can nations detest each other to the point they confront one another?"
"I am acutely aware how profound the fact that people can be friends or can become complete adversaries," adds Kennedy, son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and currently an author as well as attorney. "We see this dynamic repeatedly when nations enter into conflict, demonstrating the sheer folly it is to fight."
A Precipice Towards Disaster
What’s remarkable about this event was that, because it unfolded in the global spotlight, citizens around the world were able to observe nearly as it happened as it edged closer to catastrophe. However, the threat of destruction came closer than anybody understood at the time.
"The overwhelming majority among Kennedy's advisors were advocating for an airstrike followed by an invasion," says Max Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck Cuba with the naval blockade, there is no question Soviet forces on the ground would have deployed a tactical nuclear weapon against the US Sixth Fleet, and that would have destroyed the aircraft carriers and sunk America's largest and most important naval force. And, we would have responded with massive retaliation that would have ended all life on Earth."
The fact this did not occur is a testament to both leaders, who managed to keep their heads and calmly negotiate at a time when hawkish elements around them was pushing for action. Consequently, Khrushchev removed the missiles in Cuba and President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) withdrew his similar weapons from NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, as was a feeling of hope.
The Divergent Viewpoint
Yet, during those 13 days of October 1962, the tension was palpable by everyone. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born shortly after the crisis, with Nina learned about it through the USSR's school curriculum, which portrayed an alternative picture of events.
"You said your father remembers it, and it was a frightening day," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, people really didn’t know a great deal about it, because it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union the official line was that things are constantly fine or sunny."
Within the Khrushchev household, however, the perspective was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, as it was eyeball to eyeball. The leaders managed to resolve it, thus didn’t start the war, which was a wonderful outcome," she continues. Later on, though, that view would not be held by all Russians. "For a long time within Russian historical analysis, it was considered a failure for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up the United States."
A Unprecedented Collaboration
This podcast is remarkably balanced , expertly crafted that Nina quips she nearly forgot the known the ending. This effect is, partly, thanks to contributions from renowned scholars. But, really, the most significant aspect is the participation of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it was inconceivable for relatives of the leaders of America and Soviet Union would appear together publicly. The fact that Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva are able to do so, and exhibit such warmth with each other, must be seen as a symbol of optimism.
"We are not the pioneers," notes Khrushcheva. "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," adds Max. "That is unfortunate since we connected immediately and now we’re friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, following nearly six decades since almost destroying the planet, our families have become allies, so I think global relations is safer, somewhat."
Modern Echoes and Present Dangers
Or is it? Part of why this series feels so necessary is because we once again find ourselves living through dark times. The Doomsday Clock stands nearer to midnight in its history, in part because world leaders don’t seem to have the capacity to comprehend