The Bilderberg Group gets its name from the Hotel de Bilderberg where its first meeting was held in 1954. The annual meetings are by invitation only and are attended by bankers, politicians and prominent business leaders as well as people of influence and royalty.

The idea was originally proposed by European political figures as a way of promoting greater understanding and co-operation with the US. In time is has simply become a way for high-level businessmen, people of influence and politicians to share ideas where they can speak freely in a private environment.

There are no permanent members other than the steering committee that decides on between 120 and 150 members who are invited each year. The meetings are private and no public statements are made. Journalists who have tried to cover the meetings have been arrested.

Due to the private nature of the meetings and the level of influence of those who attend many conspiracy theories have been created that claim its purpose is to secretly plan a new world order government or some kind of nefarious plot. The truth is that it is more of an occasional dinner club for the wealthy and powerful.

The organization might not be as evil as some would like to believe but it is very clear that there is a self-serving agenda. Obviously Western interests are prominent because the delegates are only ever from Western Europe and the US and much of the intention is to bolster Western style capitalism.

Although there might not be any secret plans to take over the world it is inevitable that a world government is considered and the people who attend would have and interest in the possibility. Even though there might be no specific agenda the fact is that the Bilderberg Group does wield considerable power and influence.