Hidden hands of power and secret societies ascort humanity during all times and everywhere.
It could be in small companies like tribes, in big coporations, organisations, countries, webs (darknet)...
In each example we have the informal organization inside that in some cases could be more powerful than the formal.
So much literature, TV series and movies we can find about the subject. "I, Claudius", "The eight", "The davinci code", "The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine", " the Freemason" which you have mentioned, "House of Cards" and more.
Even in the bible stories.
David wouldn't have to be a king if not because of his mother's power.

I agree that some leaders were/are puppets and what we can do is to be more aware and try to find the dark corners and bring the light to.

Thank you and bless all the "light knights" !

Could it be it's really exist maybe as secret organisation as an answer to the bad and dark forces :-) !?
If yes I would like to join it...