ABSTRACT
The governance regime in Rotterdam is neo-corporatist in nature. While the neo-corporatist model became popular throughout northwestern Europe after World War II, it may have deeper roots in the Netherlands in the form of the much older tradition of what the Dutch call 'poldering'. The governance regime in Boston may also be characterized as liberal or neo-liberal, as the state is a comparatively weaker actor in what is an overwhelmingly market-oriented economy that places high value on individual rights. Boston, Singapore and Rotterdam are archetypal of different governance regimes, but are also similar in important ways. Climate change adaptation planning efforts are underway in all three cities, but they vary in structure and character. In contrast to Boston, the infrastructure systems in both Singapore and the Netherlands are robust and generally well funded. In contrast to Singapore, decision-making in Boston is characterized by the presence of various competing interests that need to be either reconciled or adjudicated.
