The US-led hegemonic order is characterized by multiple, coexisting, and structurally different normative hierarchies, rather than a single and over-arching one. Within these multiple hierarchies, the US, rising powers, as well as secondary actors find themselves situated in different positions, facing different incentives and socialized into different roles. In this paper, we first identify the different types of normative hierarchies that undergird the present-day world order. We then argue that this multiplicity and structural differentiation opens up space for the subversion of social hierarchies, and ultimately the undermining of US hegemony. Subversion occurs as secondary states pursue social status by selectively moving up the ranks of certain hierarchies that are either shunned or deemed insignificant by the US or leading powers. We draw on cases of norms about gender equality, provision of development aid, and contribution to multilateral forces to analyze and demonstrate this subversion process.
