Abstract
We consider a phenomenological continuum theory for an extensile, overdamped active nematic liquid crystal, applicable in the dense regime. Constructed from general principles, the theory is universal, with parameters independent of any particular microscopic realization. We show that it exhibits two distinct instabilities, one of which arises due to shear forces, and the other due to active torques. Both lead to the proliferation of defects. We focus on the active torque bend instability and find three distinct nonequilibrium steady states including a defect-ordered nematic in which +½ disclinations develop polar ordering. We characterize the phenomenology of these phases and identify the relationship of this theoretical description to experimental realizations and other theoretical models of active nematics.