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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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February 28, 2024

US Puts Additional Central Asian Companies on Russia Sanctions List

By Catherine Putz
The latest round of sanctions designations included a Kyrgyzstan-based company and two firms based in Kazakhstan.
February 27, 2024

Afghanistan Under the Taliban: Recognition, Security, and Geopolitics

By Catherine Putz and Ankit Panda
What is the state of play in Afghanistan today?

February 27, 2024

Karakalpak Activist Muratbai Given Asylum Seeker Status in Kazakhstan

By Catherine Putz
The certificate delays his extradition to Uzbekistan and could lead to the granting of refugee status. But in practice, the country rarely grants refugee status to anyone.

February 23, 2024

Reflections on a Decade in Asian Geopolitics

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
The Asia Geopolitics podcast hits 10 years!

February 23, 2024

In Farcical Vote, Kyrgyz ‘Foreign Representative’ Law Moves Ahead Again

By Catherine Putz
Despite being under serious government pressure, Kyrgyz media reported that some deputies cast votes for their absent colleagues in violation of parliamentary rules.
February 21, 2024

Prominent Karakalpak Activist Aqylbek Muratbai Facing Extradition From Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan

By Catherine Putz
Muratbai has been a vital voice in calling attention to Uzbekistan's persecution of the Karakalpak people. His detention in Kazakhstan is yet another warning shot.

February 09, 2024

Smugglers and Scammers Make Wild Promises to Uzbeks Desperate to Reach US

By Catherine Putz
Uzbek citizens interested in getting to the United States are confronted with a confusing miasma of regulations, made all the more murky by disinformation and scammers. 
February 08, 2024

Controversial Kyrgyz ‘Foreign Representatives’ Bill on Cusp of Becoming Law

By Catherine Putz
Despite opposition, both foreign and domestic, Kyrgyzstan continues to push forward a law that would enact further restrictions on organizations receiving funding from abroad.

February 07, 2024

Bishkek’s Ever Problematic Power Plant Explodes

By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov pledged to order a “complete modernization” of the plant after a February 2 explosion.

February 07, 2024

Kyrgyz Media Under Increasing Pressure, But ‘Kloop Will Continue Its Work’

By Catherine Putz
An interview with Kloop co-founder Rinat Tuhvatshin.

February 02, 2024

Early Notice: Kyrgyz President Japarov Will Seek Second Term

By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan’s next presidential election isn’t due until 2027, but Central Asia doesn’t always stick to schedule – making early chatter about a second term interesting. 
February 02, 2024

The Unexonerated Speak: A New Documentary Sheds Light on Uzbekistan’s Dark Past

By Catherine Putz
Thousands were imprisoned under the regime of Islam Karimov, unjustly convicted on religious extremism and other charges. Many have been freed, but they remain unexonerated. 

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