I think that there are probably quite a large number of groups that are trying to control things.

The thing is, stochastic chaos and multiple groups working in concert, in the same general direction, and even at cross-purposes greatly affects their ability to create lasting change that matters (even if only for them).

As such, for any one issue that is “progressing”, there is likely one or more groups working successfully in that direction combined with other groups that are either inadvertently affecting the results, or succeeding or failing to oppose that direction to various degrees.

There are likely vanishingly few examples of a single group attempting to affect a significant issue unopposed.