How the science of complex networks can help developing strategies against terrorism

A new method, based-on a recently defined centrality measure, allows to spot the critical components of a generic complex network. The identification and protection of the critical components of a given communication-transportation network should be the first concern in order to reduce the consequences of terrorist attacks. On the other hand, the critical components of a terrorist organization are the terrorists to target to disrupt the organization and reduce the possibility of terroristic attacks. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.