Tony is an American Imperialist
Some prop-Tony folks claim Steve is an "American Imperialist" because he was in the Army and his code name is Captain America. It's yet another example of prop-Tony folks not bothering to look up definitions. An imperialist is one who "has a policy or ideology of extending the rule or authority of a country over other countries and people, often by military force or by gaining political and economic control". Steve fought in what is considered the last just war to stop Hitler, not to establish American colonies in Europe. And in the modern age, Steve has brought down portions of the American government itself--he definitely hasn't worked to further America's conquest or control of other nations. Tony, on the other hand, worked for DECADES to provide the most damaging offensive weapons possible without caring where they'd be used. Note that Stark Industries wasn't known for producing communications tech (Tony uses name-brand phones) or defensive equipment, only bombs. Weapons of aggression during eras when America's motives were not so pure.
Note: Set before Homecoming. This Peter is less naive. Definition and empire list from Wikipedia.
***
Peter was glad his Poli-Sci sub-group wasn't assigned the Accords as their latest project. He didn't think he could pretend anymore that it was a good idea to deny people the right to due process or to force enhanced like himself to wear locators at all times. "I think I owe Captain America an apology," he muttered as he shifted in his seat.
MJ said, "Okay, we've covered the literal imperialistic movements from the Elamite Empire in 2800 BCE to France's current holdings."
She looked at Ned and Peter and said, "I think we need to mention the concept of the American Empire and American Imperialists."
Ned shook his head and said, "I read somewhere that a few people called Captain America an 'American Imperialist' because he's, like, 'Captain AMERICA'."
Peter frowned and said, "That doesn't make any sense. Captain America exposed Hydra hiding in OUR government and he's currently a fugitive. So how could he be supporting an 'American Empire'?"
Ned shrugged his shoulders and said, "I didn't say it made sense, just read it somewhere online."
Peter said, "I don't think I get it--how can we have American Imperialists and an American Empire? It's not like we're stealing territory from Canada or Mexico."
MJ shook her head and said, "The theory is that America puts military or economic pressure on countries that have resources America needs, starting with President James Polk's entry into the Mexican-American War in 1846. And more recent examples like some of our battles over oil fields and other conflicts over the last 20 years."
Peter's brow furrowed as he slowly said, "So someone who was making sure America had the most damaging missiles and bombs...would that be an 'American Imperialist'?"
Ned looked over at Peter and said, "You mean Tony Stark, right? You were obsessed with him for a while. But he makes all that cool Iron Man tech!"
MJ tilted her head and said, "Well, Stark Industries was definitely in the business of arming America for decades during 'peacetime'. And Stark prided himself on building bigger and more destructive bombs--it's not like he was building anything that could be used for defense, only attack."
She thought about it for a few more moments, then shook her head. She said, "No, I don't think we can list Tony Stark."
Ned asked, "Why not?"
MJ replied, "Because it was pretty obvious Stark wasn't focused on furthering American interests, just his own. He didn't seem to care what kind of damage his weapons caused or where they were used, just that he got paid for making them."
Peter slumped in his seat. Somehow that made it even worse. He was suddenly glad Mr. Stark had never bothered to return any of Peter's calls. Peter didn't think he wanted to talk to Mr. Stark ever again.