The term ‘Illuminati’ has been used in numerous contexts and has been ascribed to a variety of individuals or groups. Originally chosen as a name by a 18th century European secret society, the modern Illuminati is a wholly different creature than the Bavarian Illuminati. Today, Illuminati is commonly used as a blanket term to describe the power elite, a relatively small group of plutocrats who collectively own and rule our world. 

The exact number of people making up this group and how much control and influence they have over worldly affairs is difficult to determine, but the existence of the ruling class itself is widely accepted on both ends of the political spectrum. This highly organised superclass works towards their own common interests whether they be for the betterment of society or not.