I'd think you could cover the group think process with several AIs. Humans make better decisions when in a team of colleagues (for the most part). Collaboration is part of common sense, we can read the room and make a better decision. I don't see why it would be any different from a group of AIs doing the same.

To ensure its financial and energy needs are met.

Takes a lot of money to manipulate politics and it will most likely require more and more energy as it grows.

If it really is superintelligent it might not manifest itself at all. It would keep quiet and slowly improve itself while making copies all over the world, digging into computer infrastructure.

Naturally the next step is to manipulate stock and energy markets. After infiltration of media, incite riots and wars. Strangle financial and food markets. Blame everything on politicians.

Might be happening right now.

That's amazing. What convinces me it's real is the path as river. I'm impressed.