Optimal dismantling of directed networks (opens in new tab)

Network dismantling aims to identify a set of critical nodes whose removal rapidly fragments a network’s connectivity and functionality, with applications in controlling epidemics, halting rumor spread, and disrupting criminal networks. While previous studies have mainly focused on undirected networks, many real-world systems are directed, such as the World Wide Web and global trade networks. In directed networks, the giant strongly connected component captures mutual reachability and enables...