Nilpotence and descent in equivariant stable homotopy theory

Abstract: Let $G$ be a finite group and let $\mathscr{F}$ be a family of subgroups of $G$. We introduce a class of $G$-equivariant spectra that we call $\mathscr{F}$-nilpotent. This definition fits into the general theory of torsion, complete, and nilpotent objects in a symmetric monoidal stable $\infty$-category, with which we begin. We then develop some of the basic properties of $\mathscr{F}$-nilpotent $G$-spectra, which are explored further in the sequel to this paper. In the rest of the paper, we prove several general structure theorems for $\infty$-categories of module spectra over objects such as equivariant real and complex $K$-theory and Borel-equivariant $MU$. Using these structure theorems and a technique with the flag variety dating back to Quillen, we then show that large classes of equivariant cohomology theories for which a type of complex-orientability holds are nilpotent for the family of abelian subgroups. In particular, we prove that equivariant real and complex $K$-theory, as well as the Borel-equivariant versions of complex-oriented theories, have this property.