The Balkans on the Brink: Kosovo, Serbia, and the West

The Balkans on the Brink: Kosovo, Serbia, and the West

Join us for the launch of The Situation Room, a bold new live debate forum by The Gunpowder Chronicles in London.

Unlike conventional panels, each session begins with a crisis briefing grounded in rigorous reporting. Experts then step into the chamber with three-minute proposals from diplomacy and sanctions to military or judicial measures. The audience plays a decisive role, voting before and after to measure persuasion and shifting sentiment.

Speakers

• Dr. Aidan Hehir: Reader in International Relations, University of Westminster. Specialist in humanitarian intervention and statebuilding.
• Ian Cameron Cliff, OBE: Former British Ambassador to Bosnia, Sudan, Kosovo, and Croatia.
• Ilir Kapiti : Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the UK.
• Vudi Xhymshiti: Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Gunpowder Chronicles, investigative journalist and war reporter.

Moderator

• Michael Sheppard: London Editor, The Gunpowder Chronicles.

Kosovo authorities have unveiled a cache of weapons seized from a Serbian armed group suspected of terrorism links in Mitrovica, Kosovo on Monday, Sept 25, 2023. The exhibit includes firearms, explosives, ammunition, and vehicles impersonating NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR). (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

For our inaugural debate, we confront the motion:

This House believes that the Banjska attack in the Republic of Kosovo on September 24, 2023, is direct proof that Europe’s support for Serbia undermines democracy and security in the region.

Expect an adversarial, courtroom-style format where ideas collide under pressure, testing policies and exposing fault lines in Europe’s response to crisis.

What You’ll Experience

• 🎙️ Expert voices: Diplomats, academics, journalists, and policymakers with deep knowledge of the Balkans.
• 🗳️ Audience power: Cast your vote before and after to reveal persuasion shifts.
• ⚡ Dynamic debate: No long speeches, sharp, fast, and contested.
• 🌍 Context that matters: A briefing that arms you with the facts before the debate begins.
• 🤝 Engagement: Network with speakers, thinkers, and fellow attendees who care about Europe’s future.

This is not a lecture, it’s an intelligence chamber where diplomacy, strategy, and accountability are stress-tested in real time.

Who Should Attend

This event is for anyone who wants to go beyond headlines and grapple with the hard choices facing Europe today.

Ideal for:

• Students & Scholars of international relations, political science, security studies, and diplomacy.
• Journalists & Media Professionals seeking deeper context on Balkan and European affairs.
• Policy Makers, Diplomats & Analysts involved in foreign policy, conflict resolution, and EU affairs.
• Activists & Civil Society Leaders working on peace, democracy, and human rights in Europe.
• Engaged Citizens curious about how diplomacy, strategy, and accountability shape real-world outcomes.

If you’re ready to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and participate in shaping debate on Europe’s most urgent conflicts, this room is for you.

What You Should Know

• 🎟️ Limited Availability: Only 60 tickets are available for members of the public.
• 💷 Ticket Price: £15 (+ booking fee), which includes one drink of your choice at the venue.
• 📱 Digital Ticket Required: Please bring your digital ticket with you.
• 🏷️ Drink Tag: On arrival, you’ll receive a tag linked to your ticket to ensure you can enjoy your complimentary drink.

Secure your place early, once the 60 tickets are gone, the chamber closes.

Security & Entry Guidelines

To ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants, please note the following:

• 🚫 Prohibited Items: No large bags, weapons, sharp objects, or hazardous materials of any kind.
• 🚫 Recording Equipment: Professional cameras, tripods, or audio/video recording devices are not permitted without prior approval.
• 🚫 Outside Food & Drink: Only beverages provided at the venue are allowed.
• ✅ Bag Checks: Small personal bags may be subject to security inspection at entry.
• 📱 Digital Ticket Required: Entry will only be permitted with a valid digital ticket.

Attendees who do not comply with these guidelines may be denied entry. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the debate secure and focused.

Recording & Terms

Please note that this event will be on the record. By reserving a spot, attendees agree to our terms and conditions, including the possibility of appearing on camera during event coverage. Recordings may be used for editorial, archival, or promotional purposes by The Gunpowder Chronicles and The Situation Room.