I agree that there is some form of the elite running things but not quite in the usual way and not necessarily sinister. Say for example we have lord Rothschild, He has his vision for the world and over the years has built up a group of people that he can rely on that share similar views, these people are also likely of some influence.
This group then work toward a goal and along the way run into lets say bill gates, who also has his group of close friends that have influence and share an similar vision.
During discussion Rothschild and Gates decide they want to work together on a project, they then have a gathering each bringing people of relevance, to discuss how to spearhead the project. They now have each other as connections and some of the people around them also now have more connections. They then complete said project and go on their separate ways knowing they now have each other as a contact.
So that's how I see it, many different groups all working toward their own goals that may occasionally collaborate or may occasionally clash on some areas they disagree on, some of these groups seem to have good intentions and others seem to have bad intentions.
So I don't think there is one centralized group but many groups all differing, maybe even some people secretly work with others from group to group and there would likely be a complex hierarchy in each group.
Then the people with the most influence in each group may organize to meet and discuss things with each other, like any form of parliament or at least along those lines. Where they could discuss anything and everything.
So to an extent I see a conspiracy hear but I don't see there being one centralized group that controls everything.
RE: Debunked: The Illuminate