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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

January 11, 2021

Nur Otan Tops Kazakh Parliamentary Election That ‘Lacked Genuine Competition’

By Catherine Putz

The new Kazakh parliament will, at least numerically, look very much like the previous iteration.

January 07, 2021

How Damaging Was 2020 to Central Asia’s Economies?

By Catherine Putz

The January 2021 World Bank Global Economic Prospects report is out, heralding a “subdued” recovery for the world. How fares Central Asia?

January 06, 2021

Kazakh President Chimes in on ‘Gift’ Controversy

By Catherine Putz

A pair of Russian lawmakers last month said Kazakhstan’s territory was a “gift” from Russia, resurrecting an old offensive tune.

January 05, 2021

17 Candidates Remain in the Kyrgyz Presidential Race

By Catherine Putz

Four opposition candidates, in anticipation of a second round run-off for the presidency, have pledged to unite behind a single candidate. But Sadyr Japarov is the favorite to win in the first round.

December 29, 2020

A Look Back at 2020 in Central Asia

By Catherine Putz

How did I do on my outlook for Central Asia 2020? (Spoiler: I didn't know there'd be a pandemic)

December 29, 2020

Public Opinion Survey Polls Kyrgyz on Upcoming Election Questions

By Catherine Putz

When asked in early December which politicians they trusted, 48 percent of surveyed Kyrgyz said Sadyr Japarov -- 31 percent said they trusted no politicians.

December 15, 2020

Checking in on Uzbekistan’s Political Progress in 2020: An Interview With Farkhod Tolipov

By Catherine Putz

"Despite obvious advancement in reforms in various spheres, one direction of reforms remains very slow: it is the sphere of political reforms."

December 11, 2020

Petition Filed With UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on Behalf of Kadyr Yusupov

By Catherine Putz

Yusupov, a former Uzbek diplomat, was convicted of treason in a closed trial after making a confession under pressure following a suicide attempt.

December 10, 2020

In the Face of Violence, Kyrgyz Woman Continue to Struggle for Justice

By Catherine Putz

Women in Kyrgyzstan continue to face significant hurdles in accessing justice when it comes to gender-based violence.

December 10, 2020

US Designates Raimbek Matraimov Under Global Magnitsky Act for Corruption

By Catherine Putz

Matraimov is alleged to have laundered $700 million out of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek has let him off easy, but Washington has finally taken action.

December 09, 2020

Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Isakov Gets New Trial, Too

By Catherine Putz

He's on the lam after getting out of jail during the October unrest and neglecting to return to prison.

December 09, 2020

Acting Kyrgyz President Mamytov Visits Moscow

By Catherine Putz

Mamytov, Kyrgyzstan's second acting president since October, is a close ally of Sadyr Japarov, who hopes to win election to the real presidency on January 10.