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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
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January 07, 2025

Leftover Shell Explodes in Kyrgyz Village

By Catherine Putz
Unexploded ordnance left over from the 2022 conflict pose risks to populations in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, even as the two governments finalize a border deal.
January 03, 2025

Uzbek Driver Punished for ‘Petty Hooliganism’ Following Gas Station Outburst

By Catherine Putz
After waiting six hours, Gayrat Dustov couldn’t fill his tank. His anger landed him in jail for 15 days but engendered sympathy among the public. 

January 01, 2025

Meera Gopal on the Asia-Pacific at COP29

By Catherine Putz
“All in all, vulnerable countries lamented that [COP29] was a lost opportunity for collective action and the outcome did not reflect a meaningful agreement on climate finance.”

January 01, 2025

The Chechen Connection: Kadyrov Weighs in on Allamjonov Case in Uzbekistan

By Catherine Putz
In trying to dissuade anyone from noting a “Chechen trace” in the events in Uzbekistan, Kadyrov made the connection even more difficult to set aside.

December 31, 2024

A Ceremonial Start to Construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway

By Catherine Putz
A Chinese statement noted that construction of the Kyrgyz section of the CKU Railway is scheduled to begin in July 2025 and last for six years.
December 30, 2024

A Look Back at 2024 in Central Asia

By Catherine Putz
How did I do on my outlook for Central Asia 2024? 

December 18, 2024

South Korea’s Martial Law Crisis: Geopolitical Implications and Beyond

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
What does 2025 portend for South Korea's politics and foreign relations?
December 14, 2024

Central Asian Militaries and Asian Geopolitics

By Catherine Putz and Ankit Panda
How are Central Asia's militaries changing?

December 12, 2024

In Kyrgyzstan, Matraimov Wriggles Free Again With a Fine

By Catherine Putz
When he was extradited to Kyrgyzstan earlier this year, Matraimov was alleged to be connected to an opaque assassination plot. He just got off with a fine for hooliganism. 

December 10, 2024

The Difficult Path to Justice for Rape Victims in Kyrgyzstan

By Catherine Putz
After a long legal battle, the rapist of a 16-year-old disabled girl in Kyrgyzstan was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The case illustrates how difficult justice is to achieve, even in the most horrific of crimes.

December 10, 2024

No Rallies in 3 Years? Kyrgyz President Claims ‘Stability,’ Forgets Reality

By Catherine Putz
Despite a ban on rallies in much of Bishkek since March 2022, there have actually been rallies, protests, and even riots in the country in recent years.
December 04, 2024

After 33 Years, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Announce Border Agreement

By Catherine Putz
The two sides say they’ve reached an agreement and fully completed the description of their mutual border. The next steps will be even more difficult.

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