Anne Applebaum is one of the foremost writers on Eastern Europe, Russia, and the former Soviet Union. She is a columnist for the Washington Post, and has written several books: including “Gulag,” which won a Pulitzer prize.

She is Jay’s guest on “Q&A.” They talk about Russia and Putin. And Ukraine and Putin. And Europe and Putin. And America and Putin.

What does the Russian leader want to be? What does he want Russia to be? Why does it matter to the rest of us?

There are other questions too, concerning nationalism and anti-Semitism, for example. With Jay, Anne Applebaum talks about matters historic and contemporary. Also about the future.

To listen to her is an education, and refreshing, too. She speaks from broad and deep experience and study, and tells us what she knows, unflinchingly. Refreshing indeed.