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Catherine Putz

Catherine Putz

Catherine Putz is managing editor of The Diplomat.

Catherine (Katie) Putz is managing editor of The Diplomat.

She manages the monthly magazine as well as writing on Central Asia and Afghanistan. She writes on politics, security and culture in former Soviet spaces, particularly where they link to greater Asia. Katie also co-hosts The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics Podcast.

Katie is a graduate of the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky, where she studied international security and Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in history with a focus on U.S. diplomatic and conflict history. Previously, Katie worked in several positions at the Atlantic Council and as a communications consultant at the World Bank. She is a member of the Military Writers Guild and the National Press Club.

Get in touch with Katie on LinkedIn, or email.

Posts by Catherine Putz
March 19, 2024

Calls for Kyrgyz President to Veto ‘Foreign Representatives’ Bill

By Catherine Putz
From the EU delegation and the U.N. resident coordinator to an array of domestic NGOs, calls for Japarov to veto the bill have sounded loud and clear.

March 16, 2024

How the US Sees Threats in Asia in 2024

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
What does the U.S. intelligence community's 2024 Annual Threat Assessment suggest about Asia?
March 15, 2024

2 Tajik Opposition Activists Go Missing in Turkey

By Catherine Putz
In less than a month, two prominent Group 24 activists have disappeared in Turkey, raising concerns that they have been or will be sent back to Tajikistan. 

March 13, 2024

Kyrgyz ‘Mass Media’ Law Withdrawn by Presidential Request

By Catherine Putz
After meeting with media representatives, Japarov requested the controversial bill be withdrawn and “finalized” – ostensibly to be re-worked and re-considered at a later time

March 12, 2024

What’s in the US Intelligence Community’s 2024 Annual Threat Assessment?

By Catherine Putz
China, Russia, and the usual suspects feature heavily in a tangled web of threats perceived by the U.S. intelligence community that range across the globe.

March 11, 2024

Alleged ISKP Plot Foiled in Russia, 2 Kazakh Citizens Killed

By Catherine Putz
Kazakh authorities have confirmed the citizenship of two men killed in an FSB raid in Russia last week, allegedly forestalling an ISKP attack. 
March 07, 2024

Supply of Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans Dwindling

By Catherine Putz
As the supply of SIVs dwindles, Congress’ present dysfunction all but ensures the program’s imminent collapse.

March 07, 2024

Russian Gas Supplies to Uzbekistan Set to Grow

By Catherine Putz
As the “Central Asia gas union” solidifies on the back of high demand, political and corruption risks linger.

March 06, 2024

Kyrgyzstan’s Repressive Turn Lands Bishkek on CIVICUS Watchlist

By Catherine Putz
The watchdog says Kyrgyz authorities are “cracking down on dissent with unprecedented severity”

March 05, 2024

Blackouts in Tajikistan Highlight Energy Woes

By Catherine Putz
Tajikistan confronts many of the same issues as neighboring Kyrgyzstan, where water levels at critical reservoirs are approaching dangerous lows.

March 05, 2024

Worrying Water Levels at Kyrgyzstan’s Critical Toktogul Reservoir

By Catherine Putz
Officials have again urged consumers to use less electricity as the reservoir’s water levels drop closer to a concerning ‘dead’ level.
February 28, 2024

US Puts Additional Central Asian Companies on Russia Sanctions List

By Catherine Putz
The latest round of sanctions designations included a Kyrgyzstan-based company and two firms based in Kazakhstan.

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