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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

April 06, 2022

MMA Fighter Facing Charges in Tajikistan Over Pro-Pamiri Comments

By Catherine Putz

The trial made an unexpected turn when an expert said Chorshanbe Chorshanbiev’s comments did not actually contain a call to violence.

April 05, 2022

Donors Fall Short on Afghan Aid Pledges Amid Widening International Rifts

By Catherine Putz

Divergences in approaches to Afghanistan map onto wider divergences between the United States and its allies and China, Russia, and their partners.

April 04, 2022

Centerra and Kyrgyzstan Reach Agreement to Split After Kumtor Gold Mine Mess

By Catherine Putz

If implemented, the agreement would see the Canadian mining firm exit Kyrgyzstan after a tumultuous 20 years and Bishkek assume responsibility for the mine.

April 04, 2022

Kazakhstan: Diplomatic Blitz in Europe Amid War in Ukraine

By Catherine Putz

If Kazakhstan can deftly maneuver between Russia and Europe, it stands to benefit economically and politically.

April 01, 2022

Victoria Clement on Turkmenistan’s Presidential Transition

By Catherine Putz

There’s a new Berdimuhamedov at the helm in Turkmenistan. What will the “son of the nation” do with the presidency?

March 31, 2022

Uzbekistan, Turkey Elevate Ties to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’

By Catherine Putz

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is on a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, the latest step in the post-Karimov warming of ties.

March 30, 2022

World Bank Suspends Projects After Taliban Reversal on Girls’ Education

By Catherine Putz

Can the Taliban be pushed toward moderation with aid the incentive and progress on women’s rights the price?

March 30, 2022

Are Centerra and Kyrgyzstan Nearing a Deal to Split For Good?

By Catherine Putz

Nothing is set in stone, but Kyrgyzstan and Centerra Gold may be nearing the end of their long relationship.

March 26, 2022

North Korea Returns to ICBM Testing

By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw his first full-scale ICBM test since November 2017.

March 25, 2022

Ethnic Central Asians Among Those Killed With the Russian Army in Ukraine

By Catherine Putz

Regional media have begun to report on the return of bodies, men born in Central Asia who took Russian citizenship over the years and ultimately died in Ukraine.

March 17, 2022

Uzbek Foreign Minister Calls for Halting of Hostilities in Ukraine

By Catherine Putz

Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov gave one of the most direct refutations from a Central Asian official of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

March 16, 2022

Tokayev Outlines ‘New Kazakhstan’ in State of the Nation Address

By Catherine Putz

In a recent speech, Kazakh President Tokayev laid out the government’s understanding of the January events and proposed a litany of reforms to achieve a “New Kazakhstan.”