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The Balkans: Are They Still the Powder Keg of Europe?

Evening Talk

28th August 2025

18.30

Kincaid Gallery, Rifleman's Museum

Join us as we delve into 110 years of Balkan history to uncover the roots of its instability and decide—does it still deserve the title of “Europe’s Powder Keg”?

110 years after the start of the Great War, the Balkans remain, to this day, a region of deep rooted problems. Unresolved historic and ethnic tensions continue to prevent the region to fully integrate into the Euro-Atlantic family of nations.  After Ukraine – it is the last contested region of Europe where Russia, China, the U.S. and EU are engaged in great power competition for influence.  This talk will look at the history of the region over the last 110 years to understand the roots of its instability and whether it remains the ‘Powder Keg of Europe’.


Col Nick Ilic MBE QGM completed a full career in the Army serving in The Light Infantry, The Royal Green Jackets, The Rifles and on the General Staff.  He was also Chair of The Rifles Heritage Committee and has a keen interest in military history with a particular focus on the Balkans and Salonika Front.


Doors open at 17.45 for light refreshments. Tickets will shortly be available on our online shop. Alternatively, they can be purchased over the phone from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm at 01962 828549.

If you’re unable to attend in the talk in person, you can also buy a ticket to watch the talk live online via Zoom. We will be able to take questions from Zoom during the Q&A section of the talk. If you wish to attend the talk via Zoom, simply select ‘Zoom’ under ticket price when checking out in our online shop. Serving Riflemen and RGJ Association members may claim free Zoom attendance by contacting the Museum directly.