Strategic Network Diffusion

Spreading of ideas in a social network is usually modelled in the literature as a stochastic process. However, in many real-life applications the exact course of the diffusion can be guided by a certain individual or authority. Given this background, we analyse a setting in which the process of spreading is entirely under the control of a strategic player. We investigate the computational complexity of finding the optimal way to spread the diffusion and offer some insights into an algorithm looking for it. We also describe a Stackelberg game modelling a confrontation between a defender of a network of targets and an aggressor who strategically spreads her attack.