This chapter provides an overview of the broader political, ideological, economic, and cultural context of Serbia (including its period as part of Yugoslavia) that greatly influenced the conceptualisation of spatial and urban planning ideas, as well as their implementation in practice. The analysis traces key transformation periods: from the 1950s’ focus on communist ideology and economic growth, through Yugoslavia’s unique ‘third way’ approach of the 1960s based on the Non-Aligned Movement and socialist ideology, to the 1970s’ introduction of innovative concepts like communes and local communities to enhance citizen participation in collective decision-making. The 1980s marked a shift from community interests towards regulatory frameworks amid economic challenges. The 1990s, characterised by Yugoslavia’s dissolution and subsequent military conflict, saw all policy domains, including planning, subordinated to urgent societal challenges like sanctions and refugee crises. The early 2000s witnessed a transition from authoritarianism to pluralist democracy, accompanied by neoliberal principles that challenged traditional concepts of public interest. Applying the historical overview approach, the chapter highlights both the key political and economic trends and urban development artefacts, i.e. specific urban forms representative of each phase exemplified on the capital city of Belgrade that underwent the most significant changes over time.