: Contemporary theorists often claim the Illuminati survived and now consists of a shadowy cabal of international bankers, politicians, and media moguls working toward a "New World Order" or global government .
The (Latin for "enlightened") refers to both a verified historical secret society and a widely popularized modern conspiracy theory regarding an elite group seeking world domination . The Historical Order (1776–1785)
Despite its historical dissolution, the concept of the Illuminati resurfaced as a central fixture of conspiracy fiction and pop culture .
: Members called themselves "Perfectibilists" and adopted ciphers and grades similar to Freemasonry .
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