What if there is no conspiracy?  What if everything is exactly the way it is portrayed?  Well, beyond the run-of-the-mill corruption and greed.

Or

What if the guys in charge are actually good guys?  Like, they know the world is overrun by these bad forces and they can't come out and with it to accomplish their goals?

It was once said that anytime two or more businessmen meet privately, they're engaged in a conspiracy against the public.   The world is basically made OF conspiracies, in one way of looking at things.  So at the highest levels, you have the biggest forms of manipulation and conspiracy.    So instead of one global "The Conspiracy(TM)," there are various groups all vying for power. 

Anyone who has been involved in ANY form of politics -- even the lower rungs of corporate ladders, local volunteer groups, etc -- comes to understand that to accomplish things in a group environment, a certain understanding of psychology and its applications becomes necessary.  This, I think, is the root of all manipulation, whether it be for positive or negative purposes.

My conclusion:

SOMETHING'S going on.   Don't ask me what it is though!   

Or

What if the guys in charge are actually good guys?  Like, they know the world is overrun by these bad forces and they can't come out and with it to accomplish their goals?