Diplomacy Self-Serving or Self-Sacrifice? --- I wondered at those comments Biljana. The natural definition of ‘sacrifice’ is “an act of giving up something especially for the sake of someone or something else.”

The examples of self-sacrifice as a contributor and central to humanity’s existence and advancement abound – the parental self-sacrifice for their child, the soldier for their comrades. The conscientious objector adheres to principles even to the sacrifice their life, liberty and happiness.

Similarly, a diplomat may be required to sacrifice for their country's interests. I suggest that a disposition towards ‘self-sacrifice’ is implicit within a diplomat’s job description.

Source author: John D. Hipsley jhipsley@igc.org