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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

August 28, 2020

Kazakhstan Settles Deal With Russia for Vaccine Supply

By Catherine Putz

Russia's vaccine has not completed critically important phase III trials, but Kazakhstan has made a deal for access if Sputnik V proves effective.

August 27, 2020

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon to Seek Fifth Term

By Catherine Putz

Rahmon, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, will seek a fifth term as Tajik president, setting rumors of a familial succession aside for now.

August 26, 2020

ADB Plans $323 Million in Grants for Tajikistan in 2021-2023

By Catherine Putz

Given the devastation of the pandemic, the bank’s increased grants plans for Tajikistan are critical. But will it be enough?

August 26, 2020

Kyrgyzstan’s Political Parties, Paperwork Problems, and a Looming Election

By Catherine Putz

Seventeen parties submitted documentation to run candidates in the upcoming parliamentary election, set for October 4, but not all will get to run.

August 25, 2020

Afghan Forces Fail to Arrest Former Soccer Head on Run From Sexual Abuse Charges

By Catherine Putz

Karim’s continued evasion exposes several uncomfortable truths for the Afghan authorities on the limits to power in a fractured country.

August 24, 2020

Abdullaev Extradited to Uzbekistan Then Released, Investigation Pending

By Catherine Putz

The specifics of the charges against 47-year old Uzbek journalist Bobomurod Abdullaev remain unclear, but the case is drawing significant attention.

August 20, 2020

Kyrgyz Court Unsurprisingly Upholds Rulings Against Atambayev and Isakov

By Catherine Putz

Atambaeyv’s second trial is still in progress, but previous cases against the former president and his ally, Sapar Isakov, were recently upheld.

August 19, 2020

Death and Denial in Turkmenistan

By Catherine Putz

The Turkmen government’s inconsistent messaging about the nature and nearness of the COVID-19 pandemic threat has doomed its citizens to confusion and death.

August 17, 2020

As Intra-Afghan Talks Loom, Female Member of Kabul Negotiating Team Attacked

By Catherine Putz

Fawzia Koofi is one of just five women on the Afghan government's negotiating team.

August 12, 2020

Kyrgyzstan and Belarus: Congratulations and Notes of Protest

By Catherine Putz

One day, a note of congrats for Lukashenko; the next a note of protest because Lukashenko appeared with a wanted former Kyrgyz prime minister.

August 11, 2020

Yvonne Tew on Courts and Constitutionalism in Malaysia

By Catherine Putz

The Najib ruling is “a step in the right direction on the path to constitutional redemption,” Tew says.

August 12, 2020

Uzbek Journalist Detained in Kyrgyzstan at Tashkent’s Request

By Catherine Putz

In 2018, Bobomurod Abdullaev walked out of jail in Uzbekistan after a surprising conclusion to a case levied against him by the state. New charges could mark a step backward.