IMHO modern Jews outside of Israel are almost synonymous with your average liberal agnostic. The majority of 'jews' I've talked to don't actually believe anything, or have very loose beliefs. They just 'culturally identify', so they eat matzo balls, talk with a New Jersey accent, and complain about everything like a Woody Allen character.
As for the 'elite' jews, are they deeply entrenched in manipulating world affairs? Probably not on the scale you guys are saying, evidenced by the rampant antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments I see all over, and among leadership. It's not like everyone is bowing down.