Optimizing topological cascade resilience based on the structure of terrorist networks

Abstract

Complex socioeconomic networks such as information, finance and even terrorist networks need resilience to cascades - to prevent the failure of a single node from causing a far-reaching domino effect. We show that terrorist and guerrilla networks are uniquely cascade-resilient while maintaining high efficiency, but they become more vulnerable beyond a certain threshold. We also introduce an optimization method for constructing networks with high passive cascade resilience. The optimal networks are found to be based on cells, where each cell has a star topology. Counterintuitively, we find that there are conditions where networks should not be modified to stop cascades because doing so would come at a disproportionate loss of efficiency. Implementation of these findings can lead to more cascade-resilient networks in many diverse areas.

26 pages. v2: In review at Public Library of Science ONE

References in corpus (5)

• Finding community structure in networks using the eigenvectors of matrices
• Catastrophic cascade of failures in interdependent networks
• Cascade control and defense in complex networks
• Mapping the Gnutella Network: Properties of Large-Scale Peer-to-Peer Systems and Implications for System Design
• Epidemic variability in complex networks

Cited by in corpus (5)

• The developmental dynamics of terrorist organizations
• A Complex Networks Approach to Find Latent Clusters of Terrorist Groups
• Multiscale Network Generation
• Growth and Containment of a Hierarchical Criminal Network
• Evaluating the role of risk networks on risk identification, classification and emergence