Ultra high energy cosmic rays: the theoretical challenge

The origin of the highest-energy cosmic rays remains a mystery. The lack of a high-energy cutoff in the cosmic-ray spectrum together with an apparently isotropic distribution of arrival directions have strongly constrained most models proposed for the generation of these particles. An overview of the present state of theoretical proposals is presented. Astrophysical accelerators as well as top-down scenarios are reviewed along with their most general signatures. The origin and nature of these ultra high energy particles will be tested by future observations and may indicate as well as constrain physics beyond the standard model of particle physics.