The essay traces the genesis of the concept of nation in Rousseau reflection, highlighting theparadigm shift introduced by the philosopher within the natural law tradition. The aim of the workis to bring to light the epicenter of the theoretical-political operation mobilized by Rousseau againstthe abstract logic of modern natural law which underlies the principle of legal equality, butlegitimizes, in fact, the relations of domination caused by property. The question of national identityemerges as the keystone of the analysis, the expression of a dialectical movement that cannot beovercome between the universal and the particular structured by the author within the contractualistconception.
Keywords: Inequalities, Sovereignty, Political Institutions, Government, Common Identity
