[cle]

If nodes in a network are fully independent and not cooperating, then you don't have a network, you have a bunch of disconnected nodes.

[codehalo]

Is cooperating the same as colluding?

[cle]

In the sense the parent used it, yes.

If a majority of banks and businesses agree to block transactions of a known terrorist, is it collusion or cooperation? I don't see a meaningful distinction at that point, other than the negative connotation of "collusion" poisoning the well. Which is why I referred to "cooperation" instead.

[ineedasername]

The later has a negative connotation of illegal (or at least secret) cooperation. So it's a form of cooperation.