Hierarchical systems theory involves the self alignment, or autopoiesis of a single system which continually passes successive states of chaotic phase transition through the constant and steady input of energy. Some would consider the hierarchies as being individually discrete systems, ignoring the evidence that each system has a hierarchical relationship to the one both above and below it, often having to do with the passing of energy from one state to the next, or the appearance of anti-entropic complexity.

Although not mathematically pure, there is some suggestion that complex living systems manifest pure chaotic complexity in a more controlled way, in order to better fight entropy. Their sheer size requires that they maintain successively more complicated states of chaos within a single energy burning network called the organism. Higher states of chaos, such as the complicated structure of synapses in the brain, are always maintained (energetically and evolutionarily-which are one and the same) by their hierarchical subordinates. This also elucidates other paradoxes of power, either in predator prey relationships or in politics. As one of the most general concepts in a unified systems theory, it will likely prove very powerful to one who sees all levels of complexity and all relationships as parts of a greater whole.

Hierarchical Systems Theory is emergence. We just need to look at it from the bottom up.