THIS IS ASSUMING NO MODS!!!!

How are monks best used? Are they melee fighters, scouts, decoys, are they better with a dip into other classes (rogue, cleric, wizard)?

I want a monk in my party, but don't know how to best take advantage of the class.

What is the best racial choice for a monk?

I've used monks single-classed, mainly hand to hand, unarmed. Aasimar would be a good choice for race as you can pump their WIS to 20. Then again, STR and DEX are important too.