Compromise as a betrayal of principles

Compromise may be seen as a betrayal of principle or as an act of hypocrisy, corruption and cynicism, which may lead to worse corruption and abandonment of idealism for self-interest. Alternatively it can be seen as a lukewarm solution which pleases no-one, or inducing apathy which in turn may lead to extremism later.

Compromise affects people both on a personal and political and social level, comprising community, and national and international society. The crisis in Bosnia in 1993 gave rise to accusations against Western governments for abandoning their professed principles and giving in to political expediency in order to achieve a quick settlement at whatever cost.

1. If two related measures are in conflict, people will always adjust the correct one to agree with the incorrect one.

1. A settling of differences in which each side makes concessions, compromise in its most beneficial form is a means of avoiding conflict and pleasing all parties.

1. Hypocrisy
2. Compromise
3. Betrayal

1. Sacrifice of political ideals
2. Organizational bureaucracy in the environmental movement

1. Government treachery
2. Failure of green politics
3. Demoralization

1. Unwillingness to sacrifice political power
2. Unfettered liberalism
3. Superficial conflict resolution
4. Discrepancies between principles and practice
5. Dependence on arbitration
6. Abandonment by the international community

1. Undemocratic political organization
2. Political radicalism

1. Inability to compromise

1. Misapplication of principles to oppose social innovation
2. Destructive verbal conflict
3. Appeasement

1. Reaching settlement
2. Maintaining ethical standards
3. Forcing settlement
4. Compromising

1. Unsettled
2. Settlement
3. Honour
4. Failure
5. Dishonour
6. Compromise
7. Betrayal