Higher descent equations based on 2-term $L_{\infty }$ algebras

Abstract

In this paper, we develop the higher descent equations for higher gauge theories within the framework of 2-term $L_{\infty }$ algebras. Starting from a multilinear symmetric invariant polynomial, we construct a family of higher Chern-Simons type characteristic classes and verify that they satisfy the higher descent equations. These polynomials encode both the higher Chern-Weil theorem and the higher gauge anomalies.