Much like the masonic chessboard, the world controllers operate by principles of duality. Russel is acting on behalf the light side of the board, as does trump and many others.

Think of it sort of like how the army and navy hate each other, but work towards the same goal. Both the light and dark players understand this is a balancing act, although they are more than just competitive. The elite talk endlessly about bringing in a new "golden age" so I assume the cost was an age of darkness. Those that held power in darkness don't want to let it go without a fight, even knowing they are scripted to lose.