  A number of important transport networks, such as the airline and trade
networks of the world, exhibit a characteristic core-periphery structure,
wherein a few nodes are highly interconnected and the rest of the network frays
into a tree. Mechanisms underlying the emergence of core-peripheries, however,
remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that a simple pruning process based on
removal of underutilized links and redistribution of loads can lead to the
emergence of core-peripheries. Links are assumed beneficial if they either
carry a sufficiently large load or are essential for global connectivity. This
incentivized redistribution process is controlled by a single parameter which
balances connectivity and profit. The obtained networks exhibit a highly
resilient and connected core with a frayed periphery. The balanced network
shows a higher resilience than the World Airline Network or the World Trade
Network, revealing a pathway towards robust structural features through
pruning.
