Since 1960, a trade embargo has been in place between the U.S. and Cuba. And as of late last month, Cuba is also alienated from its only allies, due to a U.S.-imposed fuel blockade.

So, as Cuba's authoritarian government grows ever more vulnerable, what could the future hold?

This week in the world, Sebastián Arcos – interim director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University – offers his perspective.