@dekkzz76@emacs.ch @qag Take a look at those states with satellite imagery and consider how one might constrain movement (most cars can't offroad) and ensure a complete bird's eye view of everything.
Suburban sprawl & building suburbs in the middle of nowhere is neither a defense against strategic bombing nor authoritarian oppression. Rather, it lends itself disturbingly well to both.
One requires a vehicle to leave under pain of most likely death if they try otherwise. And all is easily observed.
@dekkzz76@emacs.ch @qag As for the observation apparatus? Balloons and drones/UAVs are fairly cheap, easily automated and plain commercial-grade video equipment is very much serviceable for these purposes.
It's worth remembering that #suburbs do not benefit from #MixedUse development, so they are very much not self-sufficient in any real measure.