Broadly interested in questions of transnationalism and news media in conflict, his primary research interests include global news, journalism, media law, and social movements. He is currently researching the development of Arab media law as well as the role of transnational media in U.S.-Arab relations. Youmans has presented at numerous conferences, including the annual gatherings of the Middle East Studies Association, the International Communication Association, the National Communication Association, the International Studies Association, and the American Sociological Association.