Sofia Slonovska ‘26 Interviews NATO’s former Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment

Sofia Slonovska ‘26 has joined the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) as an Editorial Intern. A graduate of the Economics, Politics, and Social Thought program, her research interests include European security, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and transatlantic relations. 

CEPA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public policy institution with headquarters located in Washington DC. Along with its hubs in London and Brussels, the Center’s main focus lies in “strengthening the transatlantic alliance through cutting-edge research, analysis, and programs.” Over the past few months, Slonovska published multiple articles with a primary focus on the Russian war against Ukraine. Her articles detail the recent NATO summit, Russian military strategy including its shadow war, and the Ukrainian military reform. Slonovska also interviewed the Ukrainian Gen-Z diaspora, asking the question “How can Kyiv tempt them back?”

In her article titled “NATO Summit: The Inside Track,” Slonovska speaks with the retired US Major General Gordon “Skip” Davis, NATO’s former Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment, about the NATO summit held in Ankara over the summer. Their conversation explores the relationship between the United States and the European NATO, particularly the division of military capability and responsibility of the two in the context of mutual defense. Davis explains that it is not a simple motion of pulling away that can be seen from the side of the United States, but rather a “right-sizing” of its role, while asking its European allies to step up and hold up their end of the bargain. This shift is particularly important to the Eastern European countries which have been some of the strongest supporters of Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. These countries have already increased their military spending while building up defences.

Davis makes it clear that Europe cannot replace US military capabilities overnight, but as he puts it: “The positive side is that increased European capability gives Europe a stronger position in any negotiations with Russia. It forces Russia to take note that Europe is standing up to defend itself. Real increases in European capabilities will be noticed by Russian military and political leadership.”

Slonovska’s articles can be found on the CEPA Website. 

By: Hana Trenčanová '28

Post Date: 09-16-2026