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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

May 10, 2023

Central Asian Presidents Join Putin for May 9 Victory Day Parade

By Catherine Putz

It is difficult to disentangle the political choices made by Central Asian leaders to attend Moscow’s parade this year from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

May 09, 2023

Upcoming China-Central Asia Summit to Offer a ‘New Blueprint’ for Relations

By Catherine Putz

Xi has prepared an "important speech" and the six leaders are expected to jointly sign an "important political document.”

May 08, 2023

Uzbek President Calls for Snap Elections

By Catherine Putz

In the wake of the constitutional referendum extending the presidential term from five to seven years, Mirziyoyev called for a new presidential election.

May 04, 2023

Will Jehovah’s Witness Shamil Khakimov Be Released From Prison in Tajikistan?

By Catherine Putz

Jailed in 2019 on charges of “inciting religious hatred,” Shamil Khakimov’s jail term ends on May 16. But he may not be released.

May 03, 2023

Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev Visits Germany

By Catherine Putz

Tashkent's readouts of the president's meetings in Berlin highlight the quest for "multifaceted" cooperation.

May 02, 2023

Report: Kyrgyz, Tajik Forces May Have Committed War Crimes in Border Conflict

By Catherine Putz

Human Rights Watch says in a detailed report on the September 2022 Kyrgyz-Tajik border conflict that forces on both sides may have committed war crimes in targeting civilians.

May 02, 2023

USCIRF Again Highlights Violations of Religious Freedoms in Central Asia

By Catherine Putz

In its latest annual report, USCIRF recommends designating Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as "countries of particular concern" and asks for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to be included on the special watch list for religious freedom violators.

May 01, 2023

As Expected, Uzbek Constitutional Referendum Approved

By Catherine Putz

With Karimovesque numbers and a lack of open debate or opposition, Mirziyoyev's constitution was approved in Uzbekistan.

May 01, 2023

Aijan Sharshenova on Kyrgyzstan’s Shrinking Political Space

By Catherine Putz

“The Kyrgyz political space has definitely become more constrained, more dangerous, more unpredictable, and less free.”

April 29, 2023

The Washington Declaration and the US-South Korea Alliance

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz

Can the alliance adapt to changing realities?

April 28, 2023

Court Orders RFE/RL’s Radio Azattyk Shut Down in Kyrgyzstan

By Catherine Putz

RFE/RL plans to appeal the court’s decision and has made clear that it has no intention of abandoning its audience in Kyrgyzstan.

April 27, 2023

New Charges in Kyrgyzstan’s Kempir-Abad Case

By Catherine Putz

Rather than backing down, the Kyrgyz government has reportedly filed new charges against the large group of politicians and activists detained last October.