The rise and fall of the Fourth International is one of the most important lessons for communists today. At the World Congress of the Revolutionary Communist International, Rob Sewell explains how the degeneration of the leadership of the Fourth International left the working class without a revolutionary party. Ted Grant’s sharp criticisms of the opportunism and sectarianism of the leadership are more relevant than ever for revolutionaries seeking to rebuild genuine Marxism.

The monster ‘Unite the Kingdom’ demonstration on Saturday 13 September marks a turning point. This was an embarrassing defeat for the left. The blame lies at the feet of the reformist left leaders, and the so-called ‘Marxist’ Socialist Workers Party.

In this excerpt from the ‘New Course’ – which was the opening shot in the Left Opposition’s struggle against Stalinism – Trotsky takes up the question of the Leninist method of understanding the world. This advice retains its full relevance for communists today.