Which of the following was one way that Western powers gained the upper hand in Muslim regions of the world

By sending troops to protect their interests

Economic interests gained by European powers such as natural resources were protected by growing military power. Europeans were able to reduced the control of Muslims with their military power because Europeans had advance weapons and technology. The British for example were able to use their military to gain control of the East India company in India which gave them superior economic power in India.

One way that the Western powers gained the upper hand in Muslim regions of the World was apparently by sending troops to protect their interests. Hence in addtion to internal decay and stress, the Muslim empires have to face Westernization.