To what extent should individuals play a role in serving their nation when the nation is self-interested?

I think that they should play a role because they belong to the nation. Their voice matters, and even though the nation is still thinking about only themselves, they should contribute.

I'm having difficulty figuring out what to write next. Can I get a few ideas please?

"self-interest" is a loaded word. All nations operate in self-interest. The question is does that self-interest infringe on basic human rights of others, and others in other nations. Does it involve crimes against humanity. German leadership in WWII believed exterminating Jews was in their interest. ISIS believes killing westerners is justified.

The question I have to answer is: To what extent should individuals play a role in serving their nation when the nation is self-interested?

I just need a few ideas on how to answer it. I get what the question means but I don't know what to write for it...

Pay attention to what Bob Pursley wrote.

In addition, you haven't even started to answer the question. It asks, "To what extent should individuals play a role...?"

Do you know what "to what extent" means? One example is in the movie Hacksaw Ridge. Have you seen it?

Can you clarify what, to what extent means? i'll try to answer the question then..

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/extent

To what degree...
How far...
How much...

Okay thank you so much. It helped understand the question more. Can you now simplify the question in simpler terms? So it is easy to understand please.

It's already as simple as it's going to get.

"To what extent should individuals play a role in serving their nation when the nation is self-interested?"

How far should individuals go in serving their nation? (As Bob Pursley has said, the rest is a given because all nations serve their own self-interests.)

Okay thank you so much. This really helped me a lot. Thank you. I appreciate you time and effort

You're welcome.

Go get an A!

Of course! Here are a few ideas that can help you expand on your point:

1. Civic Responsibility: Individuals have a civic duty to contribute to their nation, regardless of whether the nation is self-interested. They have a responsibility to actively participate in decision-making processes, such as engaging in voting, and voicing their opinions to shape the nation's direction.

2. Positive Impact: Even in a self-interested nation, individuals can make a positive impact by participating in volunteer work or community service. By dedicating their time and effort to various social causes, individuals can contribute towards building a stronger and more inclusive society, benefitting both themselves and others.

3. Promoting Change: Individual voices and actions can be powerful drivers for change within a self-interested nation. By raising awareness about pressing issues, advocating for policy reforms, or participating in grassroots movements, individuals can challenge the status quo and push for a more balanced and equitable national agenda.

4. Building Social Capital: Individuals can play a significant role in fostering a sense of community and social cohesion, even in a self-interested nation. By engaging in acts of kindness, supporting their neighbors, and participating in local initiatives, individuals can promote solidarity and build social capital, which can ultimately strengthen the fabric of the nation.

5. Inspiring Others: When individuals actively serve their nation, even in self-interested times, they can inspire others to follow suit. Through their actions, individuals can set an example for their fellow citizens, encouraging more people to engage in nation-building activities and to prioritize the collective welfare over self-interest.

Remember to evaluate these ideas in the context of your overall argument and to provide examples or evidence to support your points.