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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

October 04, 2022

Are Central Asians Being Conscripted by Russia to Fight in Ukraine?

By Catherine Putz

Moscow denies that Central Asians are being conscripted into the Russian military, but the risk is real.

October 03, 2022

Economic Resilience in Central Asia Amid Russian War in Ukraine

By Catherine Putz

On the back of high remittances and oil and gas revenues, the outlook for Central Asia’s economies has improved. But it’s not all good news.

October 03, 2022

Students Killed in Attack on Education Center in Kabul’s Hazara Neighborhood

By Catherine Putz

Another tragedy in the largely Hazara Dashti Barchi neighborhood. Another tragedy for Afghanistan’s women.

September 28, 2022

Kyrgyz Journalist Bolot Temirov Acquitted of Drugs Charges, Released

By Catherine Putz

And so ends a prosecution that many human rights activists characterized as persecution.

September 28, 2022

The Difficult Path Toward De-escalation on the Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

By Catherine Putz

A protocol reportedly signed over the weekend would see both vacate four border posts each but is shadowed by domestic critiques in Kyrgyzstan and a lack of clarity in Tajikistan.

September 27, 2022

Kazakh President Urges Calm and Care for Russians Fleeing Mobilization

By Catherine Putz

“We must take care of them and ensure their safety. This is a political and humanitarian issue,” Kazakh President Tokayev said of the influx of Russians.

September 26, 2022

China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan Move Railway Plans Forward With Agreement at SCO

By Catherine Putz

Under the September 14 agreement, the three parties will jointly fund a feasibility study of a proposed route through Kyrgyzstan necessary to bring the CKU Railway into being.

September 23, 2022

The Most Important Shanghai Cooperation Summit Ever?

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz

The SCO meets at a time of geopolitical flux in the Asian heartland. What’s the significance?

September 22, 2022

As Russia Mobilizes, Central Asian Embassies Warn Citizens Against Joining a Foreign War

By Catherine Putz

The risks of Central Asian migrant workers being pressured into joining Russia’s war effort have intensified in tandem with Moscow’s desperation.

September 20, 2022

Religious Freedom in Uzbekistan: Still Space for Reform

By Catherine Putz

Despite some promising progress, USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel says Uzbekistan continues to severely restrict religious freedoms.

September 19, 2022

North Korea’s Updated Nuclear Law Points At a Dangerous Nuclear Future

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz

Kim Jong Un says that as long as nuclear weapons exist, North Korea will have them.

September 19, 2022

Kyrgyz-Tajik Conflict Escalates Even Though Presidents Met at SCO

By Catherine Putz

That after 30 years, various Kyrgyz presidents and Rahmon -- who has been Tajik president since 1994 -- have not been able to settle the border is a major failing.