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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

September 07, 2023

The Madumarov Mess and the Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

By Catherine Putz

The drama around the Madumarov matter obscures the lack of tangible progress by the Japarov administration in coming to an agreement on the border with Tajikistan.

September 01, 2023

Amina Zurmati and Qudratullah Zurmati on Life for Afghanistan’s Women

By Catherine Putz

Two years into Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the country’s women are not passive victims. They have limited means, but their voices are strong.

August 30, 2023

Uzbeks, an Islamic State Smuggler, and the US Border

By Catherine Putz

A recent CNN report revealed that a smuggler with prior ties to the Islamic State may have helped a group of Uzbek nationals enter the U.S. We should not be surprised.

August 30, 2023

Internet Shutdown Pushback in Kazakhstan

By Catherine Putz

Kazakh legislation allows various government entities to slow and stop internet traffic, as occurred to tragic ends in January 2022. A group of NGOs wants the practice stopped for good.

August 29, 2023

Kyrgyzstan’s Kloop in the Crosshairs Over Critical Coverage

By Catherine Putz

The Kyrgyz media outlet, known for its reporting on corruption, is under pressure once again for publishing materials “aimed at sharply criticizing the policies of the current government.”

August 26, 2023

The Camp David US-Japan-South Korea Trilateral Meeting

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz

What is driving the United States, Japan, and South Korea together, and is it sustainable?

August 25, 2023

Will We Soon See a Central Asia-US Leaders’ Summit?

By Catherine Putz

If Biden does indeed meet with the Central Asian presidents in New York on the sidelines of UNGA it will be with both Russia and China in mind.

August 15, 2023

The Tyranny of Fear in Tajikistan

By Catherine Putz

“Every arrest, case of torture, extrajudicial killing and kidnapping sends a signal to journalists, activists, community leaders and lawyers about the cost of challenging the regime.”

August 15, 2023

Talk of Gas Unions Riles Up Turkmenistan

By Catherine Putz

What compelled a Turkmen foreign ministry official to push back on admittedly vague comments from a Russian foreign ministry official?

August 14, 2023

2 Karakalpak Activists Denied Asylum in Kazakhstan

By Catherine Putz

The two men – and three other detained Karakalpak activists – face the potential of being deported to Uzbekistan should their appeals fail.

August 09, 2023

Russian Military Recruitment Ads Reportedly Target Kazakhstan

By Catherine Putz

Russia is reportedly looking toward its Central Asian neighbor Kazakhstan for manpower as the war in Ukraine lurches toward its 18th month.

August 08, 2023

The Taliban Are Diverting Aid, But How Much?

By Catherine Putz

Ultimately, the Taliban exploit the good intentions of the U.N. and other donors whose main interest is seeing at least some aid get to the Afghan people, even if the Taliban get to claim credit.