ABSTRACT
The proposition explored in this special issue is that the diversity of planning cultures
and histories across the world helps to explain some of the diversity of planning systems
(e.g. instruments, governance arrangements) as well as planning outcomes (e.g. decisions,
physical development patterns). This is not to say that planning cultures and histories are the
only reasons for the differences in planning systems and outcomes. On the contrary, a range
of other factors are also important, such as social models, planning traditions and legal
systems, among others (see, for example, Nadin & Stead, 2008). Nevertheless, many of
these other factors are often closely tied to planning cultures and histories.
