For Marxists, any outlook is conditional. Many economic, political and social factors arise and interact with each other. At any given time, it is crucial to evaluate and adapt the perspectives that have been mapped out, because it is these that provide the guide for revolutionary action. A fundamentally different development from the one anticipated can occur, and clinging to dated perspectives is a mistake for which there is always a heavy price to pay. Unfortunately, this is what happened with the Fourth International.