Most people have heard someone claim that the world’s run by secret societies. Sure, okay. But dig around enough, and it seems like they could be telling the truth. Here are eleven secret societies that could control our world. Just remember that this is all in good fun, and we’re not saying any of these are actually real. Which of these interests you the most?
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The Bilderberg Group

Rumor has it that the Bilderberg Group has been meeting since 1954. Allegedly, it’s a group of big shots in politics & banking, and some royalty. They meet somewhere exclusive, without any recordings or press. There’s not even a posted agenda. Instead, these powerful people only talk face-to-face. About what, exactly?
Skull and Bones

Yale has a society called Skull and Bones. But they’re not your ordinary study group. No, this group’s members go on to lead governments & numerous industries. It began in 1832 and has many cryptic rituals. They only accept 15 members a year. Some of the most famous include George W. Bush & John Kerry. Once you’re in, your career path’s handled. Permanently.
The Freemasons

The Freemasons go back. Like, medieval Europe back. They’re most famous for their square & compass symbols. In fact, you can see their symbols on the U.S. dollar. The group has ranks and coded handshakes, as well as very famous members. Presidents and inventors alike have been Freemasons. How creepy.
Bohemian Grove

You’ll find Bohemian Grove deep in California’s forests. It’s a private campground where ex-presidents & media moguls meet each summer. However, it’s not for campfire songs. Think more owl statues and strange performances, like the Cremation of Care ceremony. It’s as weird as it sounds. Really.
The Trilateral Commission

In the 1970s, David Rockefeller created the Trilateral Commission. His goal? To get America, Europe & Japan to work more closely together. Specifically, he wanted them to align on economics and foreign policy. The only members allowed are those who are extremely influential. As for the meetings, they’re completely private. No cameras allowed.
Opus Dei

Opus Dei technically isn’t a secret society. However, they don’t exactly advertise what they’re up to. The extra-devout Catholic group began in Spain in the late 1920s. Afterwards, the Pope gave them direct access to the Vatican. But for what reason? We may never know.
The Round Table

Cecil Rhodes believed in the early 1900s that the British Empire was the best in the world. So much so that he thought it should guide the rest of the world. He created the Round Table to make it happen. Later on, the group had a huge influence on the Council on Foreign Relations & Chatham House. Talk about success.
The Council on Foreign Relations

The Council on Foreign Relations is another group that’s not hiding. Yet nobody actually knows what it does. It’s based in New York City and includes many politicians & billionaires. They meet to talk policy and publish Foreign Affairs magazine. But what about behind the scenes? Well, there’s a lot more going on than writing articles. We have no idea what, though.
The Rosicrucians

Mix Hogwarts with a philosophy club, and you have the Rosicrucians. But with greater influence and way more adults. The group was established in the 1600s as a mix of Christianity & science. It also includes symbols and secret teachings. Don’t forget all that mystery, too.
Le Cercle

During the Cold War, the elites founded Le Cercle. It was made of European politicians & spies, who met to discuss intelligence. They’ve held private sessions across the world, including in Zurich and London. Their focus? Security & foreign policy. Y’know, the kind of stuff you won’t overhear in a café. Ever.
The Pilgrims Society

Essentially, the Pilgrims Society is a blend of old-school diplomacy & fancy dinners. It has been around since the 1920s. The group features British royals & American power players, along with some financial elites. Some of the members? Oh, y’know, Winston Churchill, and Henry Kissinger. Now that’s what we call influence.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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