The kings of his day play power politics to avoid subjugation to Babylon. In the Name of G-d, Yirmiyahu insists that they accept the yoke of Nebuchadnezzer. He stresses that it is our role to maintain a low profile if this contributes to keeping the Torah and retaining both the Temple and our land. Our job is to survive, not to come out on top. It is better to live subservient than to die as a free hero.
Political independence is only one source of self-respect.
This view is unacceptable to the nobility. They push for political independence until all is lost. The same struggle will occur when the Second Temple is destroyed. This will be repeated many times throughout history. Jerusalem three times before he destroys the Temple.