"The Powder Keg" refers to a situation or environment that is highly volatile and prone to sudden explosions of conflict or violence. The term is often used in political contexts to describe regions or countries where tensions are high, and a small spark can lead to significant unrest. Historically, the Balkans in the early 20th century were referred to as a powder keg due to the mix of ethnic groups and nationalistic tensions. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 is a notable event that ignited World War I, illustrating how quickly a powder keg can explode into larger conflicts.