Benjamin's research focuses on exploratory macro-causal comparisons and case studies, designed to generate new, durable theoretical insights. His approach fuses these macro-level techniques with in-depth investigative within-case methods, with a specialism in the analysis of ethnographic interviews and archival sources. His research covers the following topics:

Revolutions

Benjamin's research on revolutions has answered questions such as: how the shape of revolutionary coalitions prefigures revolutionary outcomes; how revolutionary waves initiate new protests elsewhere; and how revolutionary movements demobilise after contentious conflicts. He also has an interest in broader questions of revolutionary theory.

Mass Mobilisation

Benjamin's last major research project was on 'mobilisation beyond the movement': instances of spontaneous mass mobilization, carried out by people who are neither members nor affiliates of organized movements. This project developed an entirely new model of mass mobilization: the Affinity-Convergence Model of Mobilization. Benjamin is currently preparing a monograph, based on the project. 

Resistance Movements

Benjamin's current major research project concerns the nature of resistance movements, and is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The 'Resistance to Populism' project examines how modern societies respond to and resist the rise of populist regimes.  In addition to his work on modern societies, Benjamin also works on the theory and comparative history of resistance movements from 1870 to the present.

Journal

Benjamin is editor in chief of Contention: The Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Protest.