Embodiments relate to simplifying large and complex networks and graphs using global connectivity information based on calculated node centralities. An aspect includes calculating node centralities of a graph until a designated number of central nodes are detected. A percentage of the central nodes are then selected as pivot nodes. The neighboring nodes to each of the pivot nodes are then collapsed until the graph shrinks to a predefined threshold of total nodes. Responsive to the number of total nodes reaching the predefined threshold, the simplified graph is outputted.