From the July 15th, 2005 LATOC Site Update:
While Strategic Relocation does not mention "Peak Oil" per se, it goes through all the factors you might be considering when looking for places that will fare best "post-peak" such as:
1. Government stability;
2. Defensible territory;
3. Diversified self-sufficient economy;
4. A climate which can sustain life in an energy crisis but won't
attract marauders;
5. Presence of water and other resources;
6. The likelihood of national debt induced financial catastrophe;
7. Issues related to time, uncertainty, mitigation/avoidance of
threats, contingency options, and possible social unrest.
The book was first brought to my attention by my mom who purchased it in the leadup to Y2K. At the time I ridiculed her to no end about it. Of course, a few years later, after finding out about Peak Oil, I "borrowed" the book and have yet to give it back.
The book was written in 1998, so some of the information is a bit dated. Most of it, however, is quite foresightful, particularly the parts anticipating potential nuclear conflict with Russia/China, a series of manufactured crisis which the government will use to suppress dissent, limit liability (tort reform), and expropriate wealth from the middle class. He was also dead on-the-money when it comes to the current crackdown on alternative medicine and nutritional supplements.
Overall, the book is a treasure trove of valuable information regarding relocation options/considerations.
Caveat
However, you should be forewarned: it is not without some rough spots. If you are of either the "ultra politically correct" or "hyper patriotically correct" persuasions, you may find parts of the book somewhat offensive. There are a few bits that I'm uncomfortable with myself, but I'm not one to throw out the compost with the garbage. So far as I know, there are no other comprehensive books on relocation in light of catastrophic events.
Personally, I wouldn't consider moving without first consulting it. Luckily for me, my current location (Santa Rosa, CA) is number five on Joel's list of "safe places" for people who still must keep one foot in the traditional, day-to-day economy.
