Iterative models for complex networks formed by extending cliques

We consider a new model for complex networks whose underlying mechanism is extending dense subgraphs. In the frustum model, we iteratively extend cliques over discrete-time steps. For many choices of the underlying parameters, graphs generated by the model densify over time. In the special case of the cone model, generated graphs provably satisfy properties observed in real-world complex networks such as the small world property and bad spectral expansion. We finish with a set of open problems and next steps for the frustum model.