Was Athens justified in forming the delian league?

Athens was justified in forming the Delian League as a defensive alliance against potential threats from Persia following the Greco-Persian Wars. The League provided a collective security framework that enabled member states to pool resources and coordinate military efforts. However, Athens' subsequent use of the League for imperial expansion and dominance raised ethical concerns about its legitimacy, as it often imposed its will on other city-states rather than fostering a truly cooperative alliance. Ultimately, while the initial formation was defensively justified, its evolution reflected a shift toward Athenian Imperialism.