Status of the strong $CP$ problem

Abstract

The strong $CP$ problem remains one of the major open questions in the Standard Model of particle physics. Its best-known solution is the Peccei--Quinn mechanism, which predicts a new pseudoscalar boson, the QCD axion. In recent years, alternative solutions and new perspectives on the foundations of the strong $CP$ problem have also received renewed attention. In this review, we provide a pedagogical account of the underlying physics and summarise the current theoretical and phenomenological status of the problem.