* Loss of Power: Peter was a firm believer in autocracy and absolute rule. He feared losing his power and control, both to internal opposition and external threats. He was suspicious of nobles who opposed his reforms, and he ruthlessly dealt with those who challenged his authority.
* Foreign Invasion: Russia was surrounded by powerful enemies, including Sweden, the Ottoman Empire, and Poland-Lithuania. Peter was deeply aware of the constant threat of invasion and devoted much of his reign to strengthening the military and expanding Russia's borders.
* Stagnation and Decline: Peter was a fervent reformer, and he feared that Russia would fall behind other European powers if it remained stagnant. He believed that Russia needed to modernize and adopt Western innovations in order to become a strong and prosperous nation.
* Religious Opposition: While Peter embraced many aspects of Western culture, he was also wary of religious opposition. His reforms were often seen as sacrilegious by some members of the Orthodox Church, and he faced resistance from the clergy on several occasions.
* Lack of Success: Peter was an ambitious and determined leader, and he deeply desired success in all his endeavors. He feared that his reforms would fail and that Russia would not achieve greatness.
Ultimately, Peter's fears were rooted in his desire to see Russia become a major power on the world stage. He was willing to take any action necessary to achieve this goal, even if it meant facing opposition and hardship. His legacy is a complex one, but his fear of stagnation and decline likely drove him to push Russia forward, even if it meant sacrificing some of its traditional values and beliefs.