This article is from the Conspiracy Theory Literature FAQ, by Xavier Poez xpoez@pair.com with numerous contributions by others.
CTL frequently focuses on the theme that secret societies exist around
the world and are used to manipulate world politics, the media, and
economics [Still90], [Miller]. These societies may be involved in
"black magic" [King76]. Other societies such as the Trilateral
Commission and the Committee of 300 [Coleman] are used to manipulate
world politics and the media. The most notorious is known as the
Illuminati [Wilgus] that arises out of Freemasonry [VanHelsing95].
These societies are always interested in more power and use subtle and
hidden means to obtain it. For example, they recruit members in key
positions of power, not necessarily in open or public view.
 
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