The World's Most Dangerous Secret Societies

1. Secret Societies: More Than Just Conspiracy Theories

The fact is, the trails of these societies can lead to some disturbing associations and occurrences and paint a much more damning picture than mere unconvention.

Beyond fantasy. Secret societies are often dismissed as paranoid delusions, but their historical impact and alleged modern influence are undeniable. They range from harmless social clubs to powerful, clandestine groups operating behind the scenes. Their secrecy allows them to pursue agendas that may be detrimental to the public good.

Defining secrecy. A secret society possesses hidden knowledge, doctrine, or activities. This secrecy can serve various purposes: maintaining internal control, safeguarding unpopular beliefs, or concealing illicit operations. The definition spans a wide spectrum, from college fraternities to organized crime cartels.

Overt vs. Covert. Societies can be overt, maintaining a public profile while keeping internal secrets (like Freemasonry), or covert, operating entirely in the shadows with membership by invitation only (like the Illuminati). The reasons for secrecy vary, from tradition to the necessity of concealing global geopolitical infiltration and influence.

2. Ancient Roots: Hashashins and Knights Templar

Though the last of the Hashashins died over six hundred years ago, their presence still lives on to this day, embodied in modern terrorist organizations, rogue mercenaries and military juntas—embodied in the very heart, brains and sinews of anyone who would seek to control, dominate and tyrannize through the means of force, bloodshed and menace to pursue any political, religious or economic agenda, regardless of faction or sect.

Early models. The Hashashins, a Nizari Ismaili sect from the 11th-13th centuries, served as an early blueprint for secret societies, employing hierarchical structure, initiatory degrees, psychological manipulation (allegedly via hashish), and targeted assassinations for political and religious ends. Their name gave rise to the modern word "assassin."

Warrior monks. The Knights Templar, founded in 1120, were a powerful military and monastic order during the Crusades, known for their wealth and military prowess. Despite their public role, rumors of secret initiation rites, denial of Christ, and worship of an idol called Baphomet led to their persecution and dissolution in 1312.

Enduring legacies. Both groups, though historically distinct, left lasting marks. The Hashashins' tactics of terror and infiltration resonate in modern extremist groups. The Knights Templar's mystique and alleged hidden teachings are claimed by various modern esoteric orders and even mainstream fraternal organizations like Freemasonry and the Knights of Columbus.

3. The Illuminati: Blueprint for Covert Control

If that’s not enough to convince you of the ultimate plot of their designs, then read on.

Shadowy origins. Founded in Bavaria in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt, the original Illuminati aimed to establish a just society free from tyranny, initially adopting Masonic structures. Despite being officially dissolved in 1785, the group is widely believed to have continued operating clandestinely, influencing revolutions and infiltrating power structures.

Alleged goals. Modern theories attribute a far more sinister agenda to the Illuminati, including:

• Establishing a one-world government, military, and currency.
• Creating a centralized global bank controlling all finance.
• Implementing advanced technological surveillance and control.
• Suppressing dissent through totalitarian means, including assassination.

Bloodlines and influence. The Illuminati is often linked to powerful, intergenerational bloodlines (e.g., Rockefeller, Rothschild, Kennedy, Astor, DuPont) and prominent figures across finance, politics, and media. Their alleged influence extends to financing wars, controlling central banks, and shaping global policy through various interconnected organizations.

4. Freemasonry: Overt Brotherhood, Hidden Influence

Like barnacles attached to the hull of a boat, Freemasonry and the Illuminati may be inextricably linked.

Public facade. Freemasonry, originating from stonemason guilds and formally organized in 1717, presents itself as a charitable fraternal order promoting morality, brotherhood, and self-improvement through allegory and symbolism. Membership is generally open to men believing in a Supreme Being.

Historical power. Despite its seemingly benign modern image, Freemasonry historically attracted leading figures of the Enlightenment and American Founding Fathers, wielding significant political and social influence. Its degree system and rituals, while publicly accessible, contain layers of symbolism rooted in biblical, classical, and esoteric traditions.

Shadowy connections. Critics point to historical instances where Masonic ideals were allegedly corrupted or used for ulterior motives, such as ties to radical political movements (like anarchism in Russia) or discriminatory groups (like the Ku Klux Klan, co-founded by high-ranking Mason Albert Pike). The alleged link between Freemasonry and the Illuminati, particularly in higher degrees or "irregular" lodges, remains a persistent area of speculation regarding hidden agendas and control.

5. Globalist Power Structures: Think Tanks and Commissions

First impressions aren’t always correct.

Beyond banality. Organizations like the Trilateral Commission (founded 1973) and the Bilderberg Group (founded 1954) appear as standard, private geopolitical think tanks fostering international dialogue and cooperation. However, their exclusivity, the high-level influence of their members (top financiers, politicians, media heads), and their focus on "growing interdependence" raise suspicions of a hidden agenda towards global centralization.

Synarchist roots? Some theories link these modern groups to the 19th-century political doctrine of synarchy, proposed by French occultist Joseph Alexandre Saint-Yves d’Alveydre. Synarchy advocated for "joint rule" by an enlightened elite and maximal state control, a concept seen by critics as a precursor to totalitarianism and potentially influencing the drive towards a federalized Europe and global governance.

Shaping policy. These groups allegedly serve as forums where global elites coordinate policies outside public scrutiny. Critics argue that their influence, particularly through members holding key positions in government, finance, and media, actively shapes international trade agreements, economic policies, and even military interventions, often prioritizing corporate and financial interests over national sovereignty or democratic will.

6. Elite Social Clubs: Skull & Bones and Bohemian Grove

After all, it’s just a harmless college fraternity, isn’t it?

Exclusive brotherhoods. Skull & Bones, founded at Yale in 1832, is a highly secretive, invitation-only society whose members are often drawn from prominent families and go on to hold powerful positions. Bohemian Grove, established in 1872 as an artists' club, evolved into an exclusive annual retreat for powerful men in politics, finance, and industry, known for its bizarre rituals like the "Cremation of Care."

Allegations and mystique. Both groups are shrouded in secrecy, fueling rumors ranging from grave-robbing and bizarre initiation rites (Skull & Bones) to pagan rituals and illicit activities (Bohemian Grove). While some aspects may be exaggerated, the tight-lipped nature and the death-obsessed symbolism contribute to their ominous reputation.

Networking powerhouses. Despite the sensationalism, the real significance lies in the unparalleled networking opportunities they provide. Members forge connections that allegedly lead to preferential treatment and placement in key positions across government, intelligence agencies (Skull & Bones has strong ties to the CIA), finance, and industry, perpetuating a cycle of elitism and cronyism at the highest levels of power.

7. The Committee of 300: Alleged Orchestrators of World Events

When it comes to the Committee of 300, we are straddling the line between fiction, exaggeration and historical possibility.

Mysterious origins. The Committee of 300 is a highly debated entity, sometimes linked to a quote by German industrialist Walther Rathenau about 300 men controlling economic destiny, or traced back to an exclusive council within the 17th-century British East India Trading Company. It is alleged to be an overarching group coordinating global power structures.

Vast influence. This alleged committee is said to comprise 300 families, individuals, and institutions wielding immense power across finance, industry, and politics. They are claimed to operate through influential think tanks and organizations like Chatham House, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Club of Rome, and the Tavistock Institute, manipulating public opinion and social structures.

Controversial goals. Theorists attribute extreme goals to the Committee of 300, including:

• Establishing a one-world government and economy.
• Abolishing national identity and sovereignty.
• Implementing population control measures (potentially through engineered crises).
• Suppressing technological and medical advancements.
• Orchestrating economic collapses and global conflicts.

8. The Jesuits: Religious Order with Secular Power

Yet while the Jesuit Society may not be the sole religious society alone in maintaining some damning secrets, secrecy is at the core of Jesuit history.

God's soldiers. Founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Society of Jesus is a prominent Roman Catholic order known for its rigorous education and missionary work. Their military-inspired structure and vow of absolute obedience to the Pope earned them the moniker "God's Soldiers" and a reputation for strategic influence within the Church.

Historical controversies. The Jesuits have faced accusations throughout history, including alleged involvement in political intrigue and maintaining a hidden agenda beyond their religious mission. Their historical prominence in education and their role in the Counter-Reformation positioned them as powerful intellectual and spiritual forces, sometimes viewed with suspicion by secular powers and even other religious factions.

Modern allegations. Beyond widely publicized scandals like child sexual abuse, some theories link the Jesuits to secular power structures and secret societies. The historical tension between the Jesuits and figures like Adam Weishaupt (founder of the Illuminati, a former Jesuit student) and the alleged modeling of Heinrich Himmler's SS on the Jesuit structure highlight the perception of the order wielding a hidden, potentially manipulative, influence in the secular world.

9. The Interconnected Web: Overlapping Members and Agendas

However, allegations and hearsay are one thing. Proven chains—based not on conjecture, but verifiable documentation—reveal a curious web of nepotism and cronyism that unquestionably link Skull & Bones to other groups previously covered in this book...

Shared faces. A striking pattern emerges when examining the membership rosters of the various groups discussed: the same names appear repeatedly across different organizations. Figures like David Rockefeller, Henry Kissinger, Bill Gates, and members of prominent bloodlines are linked to the Illuminati, Trilateral Commission, Bilderberg Group, Council on Foreign Relations, Bohemian Grove, and allegedly the Committee of 300.

Cross-pollination. This overlap suggests that these entities are not isolated but form an interconnected network. Elite universities like Yale (Skull & Bones) serve as recruiting grounds, while think tanks and commissions act as forums for coordinating policy and strategy among a select few.

Reinforcing power. This web of overlapping memberships and shared agendas reinforces the power and influence of this elite network. It allows for the subtle manipulation of political, economic, and social systems from behind the scenes, ensuring that policies and events align with their collective interests, often at the expense of democratic processes or national sovereignty.

10. The Ultimate Goal: A Centralized World Order

Out of these troubled times, our fifth objective—a new world order—can emerge: A new era—free from the threat of terror, stronger in the pursuit of justice and more secure in the quest for peace…

The "New World Order". The recurring phrase "New World Order," notably used by President George H.W. Bush (a Skull & Bones member), encapsulates the alleged ultimate goal of many of these interconnected secret societies and elite groups. This vision involves a fundamental restructuring of global governance.

Centralized control. The core tenets of this alleged goal include:

• Abolishing national sovereignty in favor of supranational authority (e.g., UN, IMF).
• Establishing a single global government, military, and currency.
• Implementing widespread surveillance and control mechanisms over populations.
• Consolidating economic power in the hands of a few international financiers and corporations.

Benevolent facade? While proponents frame this as a path to peace, justice, and global cooperation, critics argue it represents a move towards a totalitarian state ruled by an unelected elite. The historical actions and alleged hidden agendas of these groups suggest that the pursuit of a "New World Order" is driven by a desire for absolute power and control, masked by rhetoric of global betterment.

Last updated: May 9, 2025