It's the Lizard people that would be the real drawback, like now, but maybe even worse.
I think if you wanted to build a “new nation” you would be almost better off making it a subterranean country that you basically dig out somewhere under the heartland.
Pros.
Constant Temps
Safe from most Natural disasters
Once you are sealed up the government would have a hard time getting at you.
Access to clean water via directly accessing aquifers.
Might be able to use some sort of geothermal power as a power source.
Access to plenty of minerals and hydrocarbons for manufacturing needs.
Cons.
Not earthquake safe
Need a power supply
No sunlight
You might run into Mole people...
Challenges.
Would need to find a way to grow food
Need to Recycle the air/human waste/ trash garbage/ etc..
Need artifical Lighting system and day/night protocol.
Tech that would be needed.
Thorium Salt reactors with closed Loop Cycles for energy production.
Air reconditioning tech possible hydrolysis tech to use underground water to generate air.
Underground infrastructure that could be expanded using mining technology.
3-D Printing to make parts and equipment.
i think you could make an “underground colony” a Whole lot easier than a Moon colony and make it self sufficient a LOT easier.
Plus it could be used to generate the tech needed FOR a moon base later on.
Those are actually some really great ideas!
Thank You for the Ping.
It's the Lizard people that would be the real drawback, like now, but maybe even worse.
Paradoxically, underground structures are safer in an earthquake than surface structures.
There are a few cases of miners coming to the surface after a major ‘quake and being amazed at the damage from a tremor they barely felt.
Better a Morlock than a worthless Eloi...