Analysts often equate crude oil price with risk appetite.

FORBES: Are Higher Oil Prices Good For Your Portfolio?

Today's sky-high oil price carries another political risk.

ECONOMIST: Why the Saudis are worried about the high price of crude

So expect unrest and revolution to keep spreading throughout the Middle East, and expect risk premiums to keep goosing the price of oil and gas.

FORBES: Oil Giants Fear Revolution Is Coming To Them Next

Turn to oil, and the details are more nuanced, but the same price risk fundamentals apply for Beijing.

FORBES: Why China Will Stop U.S. Energy Independence

Such shareholders may not blink at the prospect of virgin Alaskan wilderness opening up for oil exploration, but they care if this poses a risk to a company's share price.

ECONOMIST: Multinationals and lobbyists