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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
July 03, 2024

Kazakh Journalist Sadyqov Dies in Ukraine, Suspects Fled to Kazakhstan

By Catherine Putz
Ukrainian authorities identified two suspects, both Kazakh nationals. Open source investigations by journalists suggest the two men have government connections.

July 02, 2024

SCO Set Grow in Astana With Addition of Belarus

By Catherine Putz
The SCO Summit will add Belarus to the roster. Xi and Putin are attending, but Modi is skipping. 
July 01, 2024

Akyn Askat Zhetigen Sentenced to 3 Years by Kyrgyz Court

By Catherine Putz
The musician’s social commentary is entirely within the grand tradition of Kyrgyz akyns going back centuries. But speaking up is risky business in Kyrgyzstan these days. 

June 29, 2024

The Future of Cross-Strait Ties Under a Lai Presidency in Taiwan

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
How will China approach a Lai-led Taiwan?

June 28, 2024

Kyrgyzstan, EU Sign Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement 

By Catherine Putz
Five years after concluding negotiations, Kyrgyzstan is the second Central Asian country to sign an enhanced partnership agreement with the European Union.

June 27, 2024

Kazakh Lawmaker Says Astana Won’t Extradite Suspects in Sadyqov Case

By Catherine Putz
The Kazakhstan-Ukraine extradition treaty provides for refusal to extradite a country’s own citizens, but does obligate one side, if requested by the other, to pursue prosecution itself.
June 27, 2024

Ukraine to Seek Extradition of Suspects in Shooting of Kazakh Journalist in Kyiv

By Catherine Putz
Outspoken critic of the Kazakh government Aidos Sadyqov was shot in the head on June 18. His attackers allegedly fled back to Kazakhstan.

June 26, 2024

Uzbek Lawmakers Take Aim at ‘Undesirable’ Foreigners

By Catherine Putz
A draft law seeks to guard Uzbekistan’s sovereignty by ousting foreigners who incite enmity or insult the dignity of the country. 

June 25, 2024

Prosecutor in Kyrgyzstan Seeks 8 Year Sentence for Akyn Askat Zhetigen

By Catherine Putz
In the grand tradition of Kyrgyz akyns going back centuries, Zhetigen’s crime appears to be sharing his opinions with sharp words.

June 15, 2024

In Kyrgyzstan, Kempir-Abad Case Ends in Acquittal

By Catherine Putz
The court acquitted most of the defendants in a case that began with the mass arrest of more than 20 politicians and activists opposed to a border deal with Uzbekistan in October 2022.

June 11, 2024

South Korean President Yoon Sweeping Through Central Asia

By Catherine Putz
Yoon follows in the footsteps of his two predecessors in traveling to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan this week. 
June 11, 2024

Zahra Joya on the Resilience of Afghanistan’s Women in the Face of Patriarchy and Pressure

By Catherine Putz
Even before the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan's media landscape was largely male-dominated; women's stories were either underreported or misrepresented. So Joya founded Rukhshana Media.

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