  The existence of magnetic monopoles is predicted by many theories of particle
physics beyond the Standard Model. However, in spite of extensive searches,
there is no experimental or observational sign of them. I review the role of
magnetic monopoles in quantum field theory and discuss their implications for
particle physics and cosmology. I also highlight their differences and
similarities with monopoles found in frustrated magnetic systems, and discuss
how experiments carried out in these systems could help us understand the
physics of fundamental monopoles.
